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THE  LIFE 


OF  THE 


GENERAL  LAFAYETTE, 


jrf  $mtt,  (Bmeral  in  t\t  Imttfr 
States  §rmgt  tffc. 


BY 

P.    C.    HEADLEY, 

A.TJTHOB  OF  " WOMEN  OF  THE  BIBLE,"  "UFH  OF  JO8KPHIN1C,"  "LIFE  OF  MAET 
QUESN  OF  SCOTS,"  '^LIFE  OF  KOS6IJTH,"  ETC. 


^^ 

r«t?STTt 
«  i  v 


BE  SIT  7 


NEW  YORK  AND  AUBURN: 
MILLEE,  OKTOIST  &  MULLIGAN. 

New  York:  25  Park  Row.— Auburn:  10T  Genesee-st. 
1856. 


\} 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  fifty-six, 

BY  MILLER,  OETON  &  MULLIGAN, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Northern  District  of  New  York. 


AU  BURN: 
MILLER,  ORTON  A  MULLIGAN, 

STEKEOTYPERS  AND  PRINTERS. 


PKEFACE. 


IN  offering  the  public  another  biography  of  Lafayette, 
the  motives  are  similar  to  those  which  induced  the  author 
to  write  the  "Life  of  Josephine."  It  is  true,  the  history 
of  this  great  man  has  been  given  in  various  memoirs,  but 
not  a  full  and  chronologically  correct  record_Qf_his_eventf[J 
andjbrilliant  career.  Besides,  his  char acter_  may  be  jn^re 
carefully  analyyjpd  and  gtnrh'ad  in  the  light  of  recent  deve 
lopments,  which  add  a  new  interest  to  portions  of  his  his 
tory,  formerly  involved  in  a  good  deal  of  obscurity. 

Lafay_ette's  name  is  inseparably  associated  with  that  of 
GEORGE  WASHINGTON  ;  and  he  should  be  known  as;  fami 
liarly  to  p.vpry  Amprir^n  ftjt'Efin  To  make  this  acquaint 
ance^  with  Jiim  in  his  manifold  spheres  of  activity  more 
completely  attainable  by  all,  is  the  design  of  this  volume. 
European  and  American  authorities  have  been  consulted, 
but  their  opinions  often  deemed  not  strictly  legitimate  in 
view  of  facts.  Especially  is  the  part  he  acted  in  the 
French  Revolution  discussed  freely,  and  the  patriotic  de 
signs  of  the  unsuccessful  Hero  seen,  it  is  believed,  through 
all  that  bloody  tragedy. 


VI  PREFACE. 

The  theme  is  a  national  one  —  and  the  book  will  have 
this  feature  to  commend  it  to  those  readers,  whose  reve 
rence  for  the  Bible  has  brought  down  wholesale  con 
demnation  upon  an  expansion  or  illustration  of  the  brief 
descriptions  of  the  heroes  and  heroines  of  the  sacred  vol 
ume. 

It  is  believed  that  thLe^ccjuracj  of  the  work_will  not  tje 
impeached.  Tnfnrm^on  jtyffi  been  sought  from  a  great  va 
riety  of  sources.  Foreign  and  American. 

The  disinterested  philanthropy  and  panting  for  freedom 
which  animated  the  Marquis  in  his  youth,  and  engaged  his 
riper  thought  when  a  venerable  hermit  at  La  Grange,  ap 
peal  to  the  heart  and  aspirations  of  the  successors  of  the 
illustrious  dead  as  the  guardians  of  a  Republic,  which  has 
passed  from  the  stormy  deep  of  physical  combat,  to  the 
less  awakening,  but  equally  perilous  sea  of  moral  and  poli 
tical  conflict 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  Man  of  Two  Worlds  —  Birth  of  Lafayette  —  His  Ancestry  and  early  Years  — 
Removal  to  Paris  —  Intercourse  at  Court  —  His  Marriage  with  the  Countess 
de  Noailles  —  Her  Character  —  Lafayette's  sympathies  with  Freedom  —  First 
News  of  the  American  Struggle — Plans — Disappointments  and  Hopes — 
Visits  London — Returns  to  Paris — Leaves  Paris  for  Bordeaux — Plans  Dis 
covered — Leaves  Bordeaux  for  Passage — Returns  to  Bordeaux — Sets  sail 
from  Passage  for  America —Voyage  —  Letters  to  his  Wife— Arrival  in 
America, 3-29 


CHAPTER  II. 

Lafayette  in  America — Reception — Visits  Charleston — Letter  to  his  Wife — Pro 
ceeds  northward  to  Philadelphia — His  Reception  there — Distrust  of  Con 
gress — Resolutions  passed — Lafayette  meets  Washington — Friendship  of  the 
two— Dark  prospects  of  the  Revolution— Battle  of  Brandy  wine— Heroic 
conduct  of  Lafayette  — Is  wounded  — At  Bethlehem  —  Letters —Again  at 
Camp — Accompanies  Gen.  Greene  to  New  Jersey— Engagement  at  Glouces 
ter—Lafayette  is  appointed  to  a  command— Winter  Quarters  at  Valley 
Forge — The  Conway  Cabal — Expedition  against  Canada — Lafayette  returns 
to  Valley  Forge, 29-79 


CHAPTER  IIL 

Brightening  Prospects — Opening  of  the  Campaign  of  1778 — Lafayette  at  Barren 
Hill — Perilous  Position — Brilliant  Manoeuvre,  and  safe  Retreat — Attach 
ment  of  the  Army — Affecting  Intelligence  from  Home — Death  of  his  Daugh 
ter — Letter  to  his  Wife — Evacuation  of  Philadelphia — Battle  of  Monmoulh— 
Arrival  of  Count  D'Estaing,  and  the  French  fleet— Lafayette  at  Rhode 
Island — Sullivan  and  D'Estaing — D'Estaing  determines  to  sail  for  Boston- 
Remonstrance — Lafayette  and  the  Admiral — Reasons  for  the  measure— 
Retieat  from  Newport — Efforts  of  Lafayette — Repairs  to  Boston — Again  at 
Rhode  Island— Retreat— Resolutions  of  Congress — Correspondence— Lafay 
ette  prepares  to  revisit  France— Action  of  Congress— Departure,  79-123 


VIII  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Page. 

Letter  to  Washington— The  Voyage— Storm  and  Conspiracy— Arrival  in  France- 
Reception— Political  Quarantine  —Lafayette  is  admitted  to  the  Royal  Pres-    y 
ence  and  Favor— His  Popularity— His  labors  in  behalf  of  France  and  Amer-    '' 
ica— Letter  to  President  Laurens— Presentation  of  the  Sword  to  Lafayette— 
Dr.  Franklin's  Letter,  and  Lafayette's  Reply— Lafayette  and  the  Ministry- 
Success  at  last— Proposed  plan  of  Aid— Lafayette  sails  for  Boston— Arrival, 
and  Letter  to  General  Washington— Reception  at  Boston— Repairs  to  Head 
quarters—Goes  to  Philadelphia— Situation  of  the  Army— Washington— Let 
ters — Designs  upon  New  York — Arrival  of  the  French  Fleet — Lafayette  at 
New  York— Head  Quarters, 123-149 


CHAPTER  V. 

Treason  of  Arnold — Fate  of  Andre — Washington  in  Newport— Lafayette  in  Mary 
land — Manreuvres  and  Operations  there — Destitution  of  the  Soldiers — Gen 
erosity  of  the  Marquis— Lafayette  in  Virginia— Phillips  and  the  Traitor— 
Cornwallis  arrives,  and  takes  the  supreme  Command  of  the  British  Troops — 
His  character— Pursuit  of  Cornwallis,  and  retreat  of  the  Marquis— Junction 
with  Wayne— The  Pursued  turns  Pursuer — Oornwallis  retreats  to  Ports 
mouth — Embarks  for  Yorktown— Fortifies  himself  at  Yorktown  and  Glouces 
ter  Point — Arrival  of  the  French  Fleet — Arrival  of  the  allied  Army — Siege 
of  Yorktown — Surrender  of  Cornwallis  —  Results  —  Lafayette  goes  to 
France,  ...  149-206 

CHAPTER  VI. 

'  Lafayette's  Reception  in  Paris— At  Home— Efforts  for  America— Preparations 
of  France  and  Spain— Lafayette  at  Cadiz — Negotiations  for  Peace — Treaty 
of  Peace  ratified  —  Lafayette  at  Madrid  —  Continued  endeavors  —  Free 
Ports— Duties  on  Oil — Desires  to  return  to  America— Embarks  at  Havre — 
Arrival  at  New  York— Enthusiastic  welcome— Visits  Washington  at  Mount 
Vernon— Treaty  with  the  Indians— Kayewla— Visits  Boston— Reception  there 
—Proceeds  to  Virginia— Meets  Washington  at  Richmond— Returns  North- 
Takes  leave  of  Congress— Returns  to  France— Visits  Frederick  the  Great- 
Incidents -Plans  for  African  Emancipation— Interposition  in  behalf  of  per 
secuted  Protestants,  206-228 

CHAPTER  VII. 

A  new  Era  in  Lafayette's  History— Causes  which  led  to  the  French  Revolution- 
Mistaken  views  concerning  it— Character  of  Louis  XVI— State  of  the  Nation 
—The  wheel  of  Revolution  begins  to  move— Assembly  of  Notables— Lafay 
ette  a  member— The  States-General— The  Tiers  Etat  and  the  Nobles— Union 
of  the  Three  Estates— Lafayette's  Oratory— Bill  of  Rights— Outbreak  of  the 
People— Destruction  of  the  Bastile— Lafayette  commands  the  National  Guards 


CONTENTS.  IX 


Murder  of  Foulon— Refutation  of  Slander  against  Lafayette— Mob 
men— Judicious  course  of  Lafayette— The  Royal  Family  leave  Versailles  for 
Paris— Reconciliation  again— Celebration  of  the  Fourteenth  of  July— Mag- 
nificent  Festival— Lafayette  refuses  the  command  of  all  the  National  Guards 
of  France— His  true  Nobility  of  Soul, 228-277 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Solemn  Perjury— Lafayette's  Position— His  Letter  to  Washington— Jealousy  of 
the  King  and  Queen— Flight  and  return  of  the  Royal  Family— The  King  signs 
the  Constitution— Lafayette  resigns  his  office  as  Commander  of  the  National 
Guards — Afi'ection  of  the  Guards  and  the  Nation  for  him — Testimonials  of 
Esteem — He  retires  to  Chavagniac — Petion  is  elected  Mayor  of  Paris — Pre 
parations  for  War— La  fayette  is  called  upon— He  assumes  the  Command- 
Marches  to  Givet — Treason — Retires  to  Maubeage — Letter  to  the  Assembly 
—Appears  in  Paris— Returns  to  his  Army— Last  effort  to  save  the  King— The 
Reign  of  Terror— Decree  against  Lafayette— Difficulties  which  surround  him 
—He  leaves  the  Army,  277-305 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Companions  of  Lafayette  in  hisJExHe— He  is  stopped  at  Rochefort— Passports 
refused— Shameful  Treatment — Imprisonment — Delivered  over  by  Prussia  to 
Austria— Confinement  at  Olmutz — Refinement  of  Cruelty — Sympathy  felt 
for  him — Efforts  for  his  Release — Conduct  of  Governeur  Morris — Madame 
de  Lafayette— Bollman  and  Huger's  Attempt— Escape— Is  taken,  and  agaia 
thrown  into  Prison— Increased  Cruelties— Conduct  of  Madame  de  Lafayette 
—With  her  two  Daughters  she  visits  him  in  Prison— Her  Heroism— Bona 
parte— Final  Release— Reception  in  Hamburgh,  ....  305-339 

CHAPTER  X. 

Lafayette  in  Private  Life  again— Two  Years  in  Holstein— Visits  Batavia— Over 
throw  of  the  French  Directory— Napoleon  appointed  First  Consul— Lafay 
ette  appears  in  Paris— Chagrin  of  Bonaparte— Mutual  understanding— La- 
fayette  retires  to  La  Grange  — His  intercourse  with  Bonaparte  ceases- 
Death  of  Madame  de  Lafayette— Banishment  of  Bonaparte  to  Elba— Ele 
vation  of  Louis  XVIII  to  the  French  Throne — Escape  of  Bonaparte — He 
appears  in  Paris— Bonaparte  and  Lafayette— Reverses  at  Waterloo — Abdi 
cation—Lafayette  at  La  Grange— Is  again  elected  to  the  Chamber  of  Depu 
ties— Revisits_America— Incidents  of  his  Tour— Returns  to  France— Another 
Eevolution— Death  of  Lafayette— Hia  Character,  ....  339-377 


LIFE 

OF  THE 

MAEQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE, 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   MAN   OF    TWO   WORLDS  — BIRTH    OP   LAFAYETTE  —  His   ANCESTRY  AND 
EARLY  YEARS  — REMOVAL  TO  PARIS  — INTERCOURSE   AT  COURT— His   MAR- 

RIAGE  WITH  THE  COUNTKSS  DE  NOAILLES  —  HER  CHARACTER  —  LAFAYETTE'S 
SYMPATHIES  WITH  FREEDOM  —  FIRST  NEWS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  STRUGGLE- 
PLANS— DISAPPOINTMENTS  AND  HOPES  — VISITS  LONDON  — RETURNS  TO  PA 
RIS — LEAVES  PARIS  FOR  BORDEAUX — PLANS  DISCOVERED — LEAVES  BORDEAUX 
FOR  PASSAGE  — RETURNS  TO  BORDEAUX  — SETS  SAIL  FROM  PASSAGE  FOB 
AMERICA — VOYAGE — LETTERS  TO  HIS  WIFE — ARRIVAL  IN  AMERICA. 

LAFAYETTE  has  been  called  the  man  of  two 
worlds  ;*  and  whether  we  accredit  him  this  title 
because  his  history  is  identified  with  that  of  the  two 
hemispheres,  or  in  view  of  the  universal  praise 
awarded  him  both  in  Europe  and  America  ;  it  is  a 
merited  distinction.  He  is  one  of  the  few  heroes, 
who  rise  above  national  prejudice  and  vanities,  and 
is  esteemed  for  what  he  is — -independently  of  the 
accidents  of  birth  and  clime.  England  and  France 
have  delighted  to  do  him  honor,  alike  forgetful  of 
his  origin  in  the  contemplation  of  his  humanity  ;  re- 

*  "L'homme  des  deux  mondes." — BERANQKE. 


4  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

garding  mm  less  as  a  Frenchman  than  as  a  man. 
Indeed  this  is  the  strong  and  beautiful  light,  in 
which  the  portrait  of  Lafayette  should  be  viewed. 
His  elevated  character  resembled  in  many  points 
that  of  Washington,  his  friend  and  companion  in 
arms.  There  was  a  balance  of  powers — a  well-sus 
tained  earnestness,  and  even  enthusiasm  of  action, 
while  his  heart  beat  with  the  loftiest  impulses  of 
virtue  and  freedom.  He  disdained  the  adulation  of 
the  courtly  throng,  and  found  pleasure,  incomparably 
purer,  in  lifting  up  the  weak  and  despairing  to  sum 
mits  of  greatness,  if  possible,  equal  to  his  own. 

But  the  people  of  this  Republic  will  ever  blend  with 
their  veneration  of  Lafayette,  a  grateful  remembrance 
and  patriotic  love.  He  is  a  REVOLUTIONARY  HERO, 
and  the  luster  of  his  virtues,  to  them,  is  a  part  of  na 
tional  glory,  and  will  brighten  with  the  deepening 
"day-spring"  of  freedom. 

Marie-Paul-Joseph-Roche-Yves  Gilbert  Motier  de 
Lafayette  was  born  on  the  6th  of  September,  1757. 
Through  a  long  line  of  ancestry  he  could  trace  his 
descent  from  the  nobility  of  the  earliest  periods  of 
French  history;  and,  it  is  interesting  to  remark  in  the 
first  glimpses  which  we  get  of  the  family,  the  same 
high  qualities  of  character  that  reflect  such  honor  upon 
the  name,  as  they  are  seen  exemplified  in  the  history  of 
its  most  distinguished  representative.  In  the  early 
days  of  chivalry,  Lafayette  was  a  name  synonymous 
with  every  thing  magnanimous  and  heroic.  Before 
the  feudal  system  was  abolished;  before  even  it  had 
become  freed  from  its  harshest  and  most  tyrannical 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  5 

features,  while  the  retainer  was  kept  in  the  most  de 
grading  bondage,  and  the  lord  was  looked  upon  uni 
versally  as  the  absolute  despot  of  the  yielding  serf,  we 
find  the  house  of  Lafayette  regarding  the  wants  of  its 
vassals,  and  improving  the  condition  of  that  class,  upon 
whom  nearly  all  the  nobility  were  wont  to  look  down 
with  haughty  contempt.  As  early  as  the  fifteenth 
century,  when  France  was  subjected  to  a  hostile  inva 
sion,  and  the  security  of  its  government  threatened,  a 
Lafayette  became  the  terror  of  the  foe,  and  contri 
buted  more  than  any  other  to  drive  out  the  enemy 
from  the  land.  In  the  seventeenth  century  Louis  de 
Lafayette  was  especially  instrumental  in  defeating 
the  plans  of  Richelieu,  and  in  reconciling  Louis  XIII 
to  his  queen.  The  family  is  not  without  favorable 
notice  in  the  literary  annals  of  France.  Madeline 
Countess  de  Lafayette  is  the  authoress  of  several 
works  of  much  celebrity  which  have  come  down  to 
the  present  time.  In  all  the  annals  of  this  illustrious 
line,  there  are  no  unworthy  deeds,  and  no  stain  of 
dishonor  tarnishes  its  escutcheon.  It  is  an  instance 
of  that  transmitted  worth  and  renown,  of  which 
there  are  but  few  examples  in  history.  Ancestral 
honors  seem  to  have  been  made  perennial,  and 
adorn  with  acknowledged  right,  the  brow  of  him  to 
whom  by  the  law  of  the  realm  they  descended. 

The  birth  place  of  young  Lafayette,  was  in  the 
province  of  Auvergne,  situated  in  the  central  part  of 
the  southern  division  of  France.  The  Chateau  de 
Chavagnac,  where  he  first  saw  the  light,  is  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty  leagues  from  Paris,  and  is 


6  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

an  exceedingly  romantic  spot.  The  country  seat 
stands  amid  an  amphitheater  of  mountains,  com 
manding  a  magnificent  and  ample  view  of  encircling 
summits.  This  region  was  probably  thrown  up  by 
the  same  convulsion  that  elevated  the  Auvergne 
range,  and  exhibits  all  the  varied  and  picturesque 
scenery  of  a  surface,  which  has  been  broken  into 
broad  undulations  and  solemn  peaks,  by  the  uphea 
ving  of  volcanic  fires.  The  chateau  was  built  in 
1701  on  the  ruins  of  one  that  had  long  been  the 
family  residence,  but  was  swept  away  with  its  an 
cient  associations  and  pleasant  memories,  by  a  con 
flagration  that  left  only  the  blackened  fragments  of 
the  fine  old  homestead. 

Interesting  as  the  home  of  Lafayette  is  to  the  tra 
veler,  it  contains  but  few  memorials  of  himself. 
Even  the  room  in  which  he  was  born  cannot  be 
identified,  and  a  single  portrait  of  him,  taken  in  his 
boyhood,  is  almost  the  only  evidence  that  these  walls 
formed  the  field  of  his  juvenile  pastimes,  and  echoed 
to  the  unheeded  and  merry  voice  of  "  the  heroic  de 
fender  of  liberty  in  two  hemispheres." 

The  first  seven  or  eight  years  of  his  life,  were 
passed  in  Chavagnac.  His  father,  a  Colonel  in  the 
French  army,  having  fallen  in  the  battle  of  Minden 
a  few  months  before  his  birth,  the  care  of  his  in 
fancy  was  left  entirely  to  his  mother,  a  woman  of 
excellent  qualities  and  rare  attainments. 

By  her  unwearied  devotion,  the  frail  form  of  this 
only  son,  survived  the  debility  which,  for  awhile,  in 
dicated  a  brief  career.  She  watched  with  maternal 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  7 

solicitude  and  joy  the  hue  of  health  stealing  s'j  gra 
dually   over   his   pale   features,    and  marked   the   in 
creasing   strength  of  his  attenuated  frame;    although 
it  gave   but    slight   promise  of  the  vigor  which  sus 
tained  the  fatigues   and  arduous  duties  of  his  subse 
quent  life.     His  mind,  however,  gave  early  indications 
of  its  power.     He  seemed  to  leap  over  infancy  at  a 
stride,  and  was  a  mature  man  in   thought   and    feel 
ing,    while   others    of    his    age   were    only    children. 
The  same  generosity  and   nobility  of  soul;    the  love 
of  liberty  and  enthusiastic  hatred  of  oppression;  the 
self-sacrificing   spirit   and  warm  hearted   devotion    to 
whatever  he  espoused,  which  rendered   his  after  life 
so    illustrious,    characterized    also   his    early   history. 
At   the  age  of  about   twelve   years   he  was   entered 
at   the    college   of  Louis  le    Grand   in  Paris,  where, 
under   a   course   of  excellent   training,    he   zealously 
pursued  his  studies.     His  mind  was  well  formed  for 
a  student,  and,  had   his   attention   been  continued   in 
that  direction,  he  might   easily  have  become  one  of 
the   most   accurate   scholars   of  his   time.     Of  study 
he  was  passionately  fond,  to  the  exclusion,  for  awhile, 
of  all   other   demands   upon  the  precious   hours.     In 
the  Latin   and  Greek   classics   he  became  especially 
proficient,   and   lost   neither   his  love  nor  knowledge 
of  them  in  later  years.     The  foundation  of  that  men 
tal   force    and   precision  which   he    subsequently  dis 
played,  was   firmly  laid   by  this   close   discipline   du 
ring   the   early  part   of  his   residence   in  Paris.     He 
was,    however,  afterwards    subjected    in   his   literary 
pursuits    to   frequent    interruptions.     His    high    rank 


8  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

gained  him  the  attention  of  royalty,  and  the  attrac 
tions  of  the  gay  French  court  drew  him  away  from 
his  course  of  intense  application.  A  passion  for  bril 
liant  society,  together  with  an  increasing  desire  for 
military  exploits,  began  to  stir  his  youthful  spirit. 
By  the  death  of  his  mother,  in  1770,  and  of  his 
grandfather  a  short  time  after,  he  became  the  heir 
to  immense  wealth,  which,  being  entirely  at  his  own 
control,  surrounded  him  with  a  crowd  of  parasites 
and  flatterers,  whose  fawning  and  constant  attend 
ance  checked,  at  once,  the  scholar's  progress.  The 
mildness  and  affability  of  his  manners,  moreover, 
made  him  a  great  favorite  at  court,  where  the  gen 
tle  but  unfortunate  Marie  Antoinette  took  him  under 
her  special  care.  He  became  a  page  to  the  queen, 
and  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  in  the  year  1770,  he  was 
enrolled  a  member  of  the  J\fousquitai?*es  du  Roi,  a 
body  of  soldiers  whose  particular  duty  it  was  to 
protect  the  person  of  the  king,  and  which  was  com 
posed  solely  of  the  descendants  of  the  noblest  fami 
lies  of  France.  Through  the  direct  influence  of  the 
queen,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  a  commis 
sioned  officer  in  this  corps;  and,  though  he  says  that 
his  military  services  "  only  interrupted  his  studies  on 
review  days,"  it  is  evident  that  the  alacrity  and 
zest  with  which  he  was  wont  to  engage  in  intel 
lectual,  culture  had  already  subsided  under  the  pres 
sure  of  engagements  of  quite  a  different  nature. 

He  was  fond  of  the  social  circle,  but  rarely  joined 
in  the  frivolous  amusements  and  trifling  talk  preva 
lent  in  the  saloons  of  the  metropolis  He  was  ha- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  9 

bitually  silent  when  discussion  turned  on  topics  which 
he  thought  unworthy  attention;  while  yet  his  ami 
able  manner  made  him  a  favorite,  whenever  his  fine 
figure  moved  amid  the  thronged  apartments  of  wealth 
and  fashion. 

His  own  conversational  powers  were  of  a  high 
order,  and  their  activity  varied  much  with  his 
moods  —  sometimes  mild  and  winning,  and  again  ar 
dent  and  enthusiastic.  In  this  he  would  resemble 
the  musical  rivulet  moving  to  the  measures  of  an 
inward  melody;  and  then,  perhaps  the  same  hour, 
remind  one  of  the  rapid  and  sounding  torrent  dash 
ing  on  in  its  wild  and  stirring  march.  When  he 
spoke  of  liberty,  or  listened  to  a  tale  of  oppression, 
his  eye  kindled  with  a  glow,  that  disclosed  the  pure 
and  intense  flame  on  freedom's  hidden  altar.  His 
soul,  from  earliest  boyhood,  was  fired  with  the 
themes  of  human  well-being,  and  despotic  cruelty. 
While  at  Chavagnac,  his  delicate  and  sensitive  frame 
would  often  tremble,  and  his  lips  quiver,  to  the  agi 
tation  awakened  by  a  contemplation  of  the  destiny 
designed  for  a  struggling  race,  and  his  pantings  for 
an  atmosphere  untainted  with  the  breath  of  tyranny. 
He  uses  the  following  language,  long  afterwards,  to 
a  friend: 

"You  ask  me  at  what  period  I  first  experienced 
my  ardent  love  for  liberty  and  glory; — I  recollect 
no  time  of  life  anterior  to  my  enthusiasm  for  anec 
dotes  of  glorious  deeds,  and  to  my  projects  of  tra 
veling  over  the  world  to  acquire  fame.  At  eight 
years  of  age,  my  heart  beat  when  I  heard  of  an  hy- 


10  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ena  that  had  done  some  injury,  and  caused  still  more 
alarm  in  our  neighborhood,  and  the  hope  of  meet 
ing  it  was  the  object  of  all  my  walks.  When  I  ar 
rived  at  college,  nothing  ever  interrupted  my  studies, 
except  my  ardent  wish  of  studying  without  restraint. 
I  never  deserved  to  be  chastised;  but,  in  spite  of  my 
usual  gentleness,  it  would  have  been  dangerous  to  have 
attempted  to  do  so.  I  recollect  with  pleasure  that, 
when  I  was  to  describe  in  rhetoric  a  perfect  courser, 
I  sacrificed  the  hope  of  obtaining  a  prize,  and  de 
scribed  the  one,  who,  on  perceiving  the  whip,  threw 
down  his  rider.  Republican  anecdotes  always  de 
lighted  me,  and  when  my  new  connections  wished  to 
obtain  for  me  a  place  at  court,  I  did  not  hesitate  dis 
pleasing  them  to  preserve  my  independence."  How 
plainly,  in  all  this,  is  his  character  seen.  The  steed, 
gentle  when  well  treated,  but  throwing  his  rider  at 
sight  of  the  whip,  had  spirit  which  chimed  in  well 
with  that  of  the  youthful  hater  of  oppression. 

In  his  seventeenth  year*  Lafayette  was  married. 
The  object  of  his  choice  was  first  selected  by  him 
from  considerations  of  family  interest,  but  the  mar 
riage  was  consummated,  as  there  is  every  reason  to 
believe,  with  the  purest  affection.  His  lady  was  the 
Comptesse  Anastasie  de  Noailles,  daughter  of  the 
Duke  d'Ayen  ;  and  brought  to  his  own,  a  heart  full  of 
virtue,  courage,  and  conjugal  affection.  Her  life  is 
one  of  the  brightest  in  the  annals  of  female  heroism, 
conspicuous  alike  for  gentleness,  disinterested  devotion, 

'April,  1774. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  11 

and  patient  endurance  of  every  privation  which  attends 
deepest  misfortunes.  In  the  progress  of  this  history,  we 
shall  have  occasion  to  notice  and  admire  her  worth. 
She  brought  her  husband  a  fortune,  which  together 
with  his  ample  inheritance,  gave  him  a  revenue  of 
200,000  francs,  or  37,500  dollars,  per  annum.  But 
she  was  a  richer  treasure  than  it  all.  Lafayette 
gave  abundant  evidence  that  he  cherished  for  her 
the  highest  esteem,  and  her  character  and  history 
show  that  she  reciprocated  fully  his  affection.  "  At 
this  period  of  his  life,  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette 
was  a  man  of  commanding  figure  and  pleasing  fea 
tures,  notwithstanding  his  deep  red  hair.  His  fore 
head,  though  receding,  was  fine  ;  his  eyes  clear  ha 
zel,  and  his  mouth  and  chin  delicately  formed,  exhi 
biting  beauty  rather  than  strength.  The  expres 
sion  of  his  countenance  was  strongly  indicative  of  a 
generous  and  gallant  spirit,  with  an  air  of  conscious 
greatness.  His  manners  were  frank  and  amiable  — 
his  movements  light  and  graceful.  Formed,  both  by 
nature  and  education,  to  be  the  ornament  of  a  court, 
and  already  distinguished  by  his  varied  and  attractive 
qualities  in  the  circle  of  his  noble  acquaintance,  his 
free  principles  were  neither  withered  by  the  sunshine 
of  royalty,  nor  weakened  by  flattery  and  temptation." 
Amid  the  enjoyments  of  an  effeminate  court,  and 
surrounded  by  all  the  delights  of  his  newly  made 
domestic  alliance,  Lafayette  was  dreaming  of  a  very 
different  future.  Visions  of  military  life,  which  were 
ever  dancing  before  his  mind,  were  painted  in  still 
more  glowing  colors  by  the  camp-scenes  through 


12  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

which  he  was  wont  to  pass.  He  was  a  soldier  by 
profession,  but  he  had  chosen  the  sword,  and  now 
carried  it  that  he  might  wield  it  for  the  right,  and 
not  alone  to  blazon  his  own  name  with  renown.  A 
fire  burned  in  his  breast,  and  a  lofty  enthusiasm  was 
there;  and  he  longed  for  some  opportunity  to  give 
scope  to  the  inward  flame  —  some  arena  on  which 
he  could  stand  and  battle  for  the  wants  of  the  strug 
gling  millions.  This  became  an  absorbing  theme  of 
thought.  To  have  quelled  the  mighty  impulse  would 
have  wrecked  the  man,  as  truly  as  to  still  the  throb 
bing  heart  forever  would  have  left  only  a  motionless 
and  expressionless  form.  This  desire  to  behold  an 
uprising  of  the  oppressed  —  a  rending  of  fetters  ;  and 
to  hear  the  knell  of  despotism  the  world  over,  had 
deepened  into  a  fixed  purpose,  ripening  with  his 
powers,  and  was  now  the  very  breath  of  his  life.  It 
had  risen  above  all  other  passions,  till  it  was  now 
the  guiding  one  of  his  being.  He  was  waiting  only 
for  some  brilliant  opportunity  in  which  he  might  re- 
realize  his  cherished  dreams ;  and  this  was  soon  pre 
sented. 

In  the  summer  of  1776,  he  was  stationed  on  mili 
tary  duty  as  an  officer  of  the  French  army,  in  the 
citadel  of  Metz.  It  was  the  summer  distinguished 
as  the  greatest  modern  epoch  in  the  progress  of  hu 
manity  —  the  summer  of  the  declaration  of  AMERICAN 
INDEPENDENCE.  He  was  at  this  time  but  little  more 
than  eighteen,  but,  as  we  have  before  noticed,  his 
maturity  was  far  beyond  his  years.  The  Duke  of 
Gloucester  having  been  exiled  from  the  court  of  Great 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  13 

Britain  on  account  of  his  impolitic  marriage,  was 
then  at  Metz.  He  was  a  brother  of  the  King  of 
England,  and  was  constantly  receiving  advices  re 
lating  to  the  progress  of  the  opening  struggle  in 
America.  The  first  tidings  of  the  kind  which  he 
communicated  to  the  French  officers  there,  struck  the 
key  note  to  Lafayette's  fiery  ardor;  and  the  more 
vividly  the  Duke  described  the  plans  of  the  British 
ministry  to  crush  the  efforts  of  the  colonists,  the  more 
firmly  settled  in  his  breast  became  the  plan,  which  he 
seems  to  have  immediately  formed,  of  going  to  their 
rescue.  America  fighting  for  its  independence  appealed 
strongly  to  his  imagination,  but  America  oppressed 
and  likely  to  be  crushed  in  the  struggle,  enlisted  every 
sympathy  of  his  heart.  Throwing  up  his  office  at 
Metz,  he  returned  to  Paris.  He  knew  that  the  earnest 
opposition  of  his  family  and  friends  would  be  brought 
to  bear  against  his  designs,  but  he  had  determined  to 
throw  himself  into  the  struggle,  and  no  human  barrier 
could  defeat  the  purpose.  His  first  steps,  however, 
were  taken  with  great  caution.  With  the  utmost  se 
crecy  he  made  his  inquiries  and  preparations,  carefull)' 
concealing  his  intentions  from  the  wife  of  his  bosom 
and  most  of  his  intimate  friends.  At  length  he  dis 
closed  his  determination  to  his  relative  the  Count  de 
Broglie.  but  received  from  him  the  strongest  opposi 
tion.  The  Count  pictured  to  him,  in  glowing  terms, 
the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  the  undertaking,  and 
endeavored  by  every  means  to  dissuade  him  from  the 
enterprise  — "  Your  uncle  perished  in  the  wars  in 
Italy,"  said  he,  "your  father  fell  in  the  battle 


14  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Mindcn,  and  now  I  will  not  be  accessory  to  the 
ruin  of  the  only  remaining  branch  of  the  family.'' 
Notwithstanding,  Lafayette  was  not  disheartened. 
The  secretary  of  the  Count,  Mr.  Duboismartin,  en 
tered  at  once  into  all  his  plans,  and  approved  them. 
His  position  and  skill  enabled  him  to  render  the  Mar 
quis  important  aid,  both  in  the  way  of  advice  and 
active  assistance.  Lafayette,  not  for  a  moment  dis 
suaded  from  his  romantic  and  perilous  scheme  by  his 
interview  with  the  Count  de  Broglie,*  soon  laid  open 
all  his  plans  to  the  Baron  de  Kalb,  to  whom  he  had 
been  attracted  by  a  kindred  sympathy.  The  Baron's 
heart  beat  with  the  same  enthusiasm  which  animated 
the  young  Marquis,  and  his  love  of  liberty  was  equally 
ardent.  De  Kalb  zealously  seconded  his  design,  and 
opened  to  him  new  methods  for  carrying  it  forward. 
Mr.  Silas  Deane,  an  agent  sent  out  by  the  American 
Congress  to  negotiate  with  the  French  government, 
was  at  this  time  in  Paris.  To  him  De  Kalb  introduced 
the  Marquis,  and  spread  before  him  the  generous  of 
fer  of  his  personal  service  in  the  American  war.  Mr. 
Deane  was  at  first  unfavorably  impressed  with  the 
boyish  appearance  of  Lafayette,  (he  was  at  this  time 
scarcely  nineteen  years  of  age,)  but  the  earnestness 
with  which  the  young  volunteer  pleaded  his  cause ; 
the  ardor  which  he  manifested  in  the  enterprize,  and 
the  probable  effect  which  his  departure  would  have 
throughout  France  in  awakening  a  more  intense  sym- 


>  *  Lafayette  afterwards  states,  that  the  Count  withdraw  his  oppo 
sition  after  all  his  efforts  to  turn  him  from  his  project  had  proved 
in  vain. 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  15 

pathy  with  the  American  States  overcame  his  first  he 
sitation.  A  mutual  agreement  was  made,  and  Lafay 
ette  left  him  with  his  youthful  spirit  bounding  to  the 
music  of  freedom's  battle.  The  following  paper,  which 
he  had  obtained  from  Mr.  Dean,  was  to  him  a  richer 
treasure  than  his  ancestral  domain.  It  was  given  in 
virtue  of  Lafayette's  stipulation  to  depart  as  early  as 
circumstances  should  permit,  and  engage  personally 
in  the  struggle  for  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States. 

"  The  desire  which  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  shows 
of  serving  amolig  the  troops  of  the  United  States  of 
North  America,  and  the  interest  which  he  takes  in 
the  justice  of  their  cause,  make  him  wish  to  distin 
guish  himself  in  this  war,  and  to  render  himself  as 
useful  as  he  possibly  can.  But  not  thinking  that  he 
can  obtain  leave  of  his  family  to  pass  the  seas  and 
to  serve  in  a  foreign  country,  till  he  can  go  as  a 
general  officer,  I  have  thought  that  I  could  not  bet 
ter  serve  my  country,  and  those  who  have  entrusted 
me,  than  by  granting  to  him,  in  the  name  of  the  very 
honorable  Congress,  the  rank  of  Major-General,  which 
I  beg  the  states  to  confirm  and  ratify  to  him,  and 
to  deliver  him  the  commission  to  hold  and  take  rank 
from  this  day  with  the  general  officers  of  the  same 
degree.  His  high  birth,  his  alliances,  the  great  dig 
nities  which  his  family  hold  at  this  court,  his  con 
siderable  estates  in  this  realm,  his  personal  merit, 
his  reputation,  his  disinterestedness,  and  above  all,  his 
zeal  for  the  liberty  of  our  provinces,  are  such  as  to 
induce  me  alone  to  promise  him  the  rank  of  Major- 


16  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

General  in  the  name  of  the  United  States.     In  wit 
ness  of  which  I  have  signed  the  present  this  7th  day 

of  December,  1776. 

SILAS  DEANE." 

"  The  secrecy,"  says  Lafayette,  "  with  which  this 
negotiation  and  my  preparations  were  made,  appears 
almost  a  miracle ;  family,  friends,  ministers,  French 
spies  and  English  spies,  all  were  kept  completely  ii) 
the  dark  as  to  my  intentions." 

In  the  midst  of  his  preparations,  unforeseen  diffi 
culties  arose.  A  ship  was  fitting  out  in  which  he 
was  to  take  his  departure,  when  news  of  disastrous 
defeats  in  the  revolutionary  army  reached  France. 
Hearts  throbbing  with  hope  were  hushed  at  the  ti 
dings  of  these  sad  reverses  on  the  field  of  conflict 
for  liberty.  The  intelligence  which  flew  across  the 
Atlantic  and  made  the  bells  of  London  ring  for  joy, 
fell  like  a  funeral  knell  upon  many  a  circle  in  Paris 
and  other  parts  of  the  kingdom.  The  court  of  Ver 
sailles  had  not  yet  openly  espoused  the  American 
cause,  but  Louis  XVI  was  looking  upon  the  struggle 
with  anxious  eye,  and  discerning  politicians  were 
already  predicting  that  France  would  soon  be  joined 
in  fraternal  league  with  the  United  States,  against 
England.  Dr.  Franklin  had  joined  Mr.  Dcane  at 
Paris,  with  more  definite  instructions,  and  both, 
though  not  publicly  acknowledged,  were  yet  secretly 
received  by  the  king ;  and  while  they  were  assured 
of  his  approval  of  the  revolution,  they  also  had  rea 
son  to  believe  that  he  would  soon  openly  espouse  it. 
In  receiving  the  American  agents,  and  giving  them 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  17 

encouragement  of  future  assistance,  Louis  XVI  did 
not  see  the  mine  which  he  was  laying  deep  beneath 
his  own  feet  and  the  Bourbon  throne.  His  ministers 
clearly  saw  that  the  American  declaration  was  no 
less  hostile  to  the  principals  of  the  French,  than  to 
those  of  the  English  monarchy;  but  their  arguments 
and  persuasions  with  the  king,  were  unavailing  be 
fore  the  strong  representations  of  Dr.  Franklin,  and 
the  cherished  desire  to  humble  the  pride  of  his  he 
reditary  foe.  He  was  on  the  point  of  an  official 
proclamation  of  the  Independence  of  the  thirteen 
colonies,  and  just  ready  to  unsheath  the  sword  in 
their  behalf,  when  their  sudden  misfortunes  reached 
his  ear.  He  paused  awhile  to  wait  the  issue  of  the 
fearful  crisis.  The  aspect  of  affairs  in  the  new  world 
was  indeed  gloomy.  The  battle  of  Brooklyn  had 
been  fought,  resulting  in  the  total  route  of  the  con 
tinental  forces,  and  the  evacuation  of  Long  Island. 
New  York,  after  a  desperate  resistance,  had  been 
given  up  to  the  British.  General  Howe  was  master 
of  Forts  Washington  and  Lee.  The  heroic  army 
was  fast  becoming  disbanded;  the  militia  throwing 
down  their  arms,  and  returning  home  in  despair. 
General  Washington  with  the  remnant  who  remained, 
ill  clothed  and  scantily  fed,  was  retreating  before  the 
British,  through  a  desponding  country.  It  was  ru 
mored  in  France  that  thousands  were  daily  flocking 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  pardon  which  Lord  Howe 
had  offered  to  the  rebels ;  and  though  Washington 
was  still  unyielding,  yet  the  last  reasonable  hope  of 
liberty  had  well-nigh  expired.  So  dark  were  the 


18  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

prospects,  that  the  American  commissioners  at  Paris 
ceased  for  a  time  from  their  representations  to  the 
king,  and  even  urged  Lafayette  to  abandon  his  pro 
ject  of  enlisting  in  their  service.  They  told  him 
that  the  late  unhappy  news  had  so  deranged  their 
affairs,  that  they  could  not  now  offer  him  even  a 
passage  to  America,  nor  assure  him  of  any  ground 
of  success  should  he  be  able  to  go.  They  had,  how 
ever,  mistaken  their  man.  Lafayette  was  not  yet 
known.  With  a  generosity  which  has  no  parallel, 
he  replied  to  their  attempts  to  dissuade  him  from 
the  enterprise,  by  assuring  them  that  if  their  country 
was  indeed  reduced  to  such  an  extremity,  that  was 
the  very  hour  when  his  embarking  to  join  her  armies 
would  render  the  most  essential  aid.  "  I  thank  you 
for  your  frankness,"  said  he,  "  but  now  is  precisely 
the  moment  to  serve  your  cause ;  the  more  people 
are  discouraged,  the  greater  utility  will  result  from 
my  departure.  Until  now  you  have  only  seen  my 
ardor  in  your  cause,  but  that  may  not  prove  at  pre 
sent  wholly  useless.  If  you  cannot  furnish  me  with 
a  vessel,  I  will  purchase  one  and  freight  it  at  my 
own  expense,  to  convey  your  despatches  and  my  per 
son  to  the  shores  of  America." 

Neither  of  the  three*  commissioners  was  prepared 
for  this  noble  offer.  They  had  supposed  that  the  Mar 
quis,  in  common  with  others  who  had  gone  from  Eu 
rope  to  enlist  in  the  American  struggle,  was  actuated 
more  by  youthful  impulses  and  a  passion  for  adventure 

*  Arthur  Lee  was  the  third  commissioner. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  19 

or  military  glory,  than  by  any  genuine  sympathy  with 
an  oppressed  people  panting  for  freedom.  But  a  ro 
mantic  zeal,  or  love  of  excitement,  would  have  given 
way  before  the  difficulties  which  now  tried  the  spirit 
of  Lafayette.  With  unbending  resolution  he  instantly 
set  himself  at  work,  to  carry  out  his  proposal. 
From  his  own  estates  he  raised  the  money  neces 
sary  for  the  expedition,  and  without  delay  prepared 
to  purchase  and  equip  a  vessel  for  his  use.  His  pre 
parations  were  necessarily  matured  with  the  utmost 
privacy,  so  as  to  escape  the  vigilance  of  his  domestic 
circle,  the  French  government,  and  English  spies. 
He  was  fully  aware  of  the  resistance  with  which  he 
would  meet  if  his  plans  became  known,  and  there 
fore  kept  them  almost  wholly  within  his  o\vn  breast. 
British  jealousy  had  been  aroused  by  the  assistance 
which  France  rendered  to  the  colonies,  and  Lord 
Stormont  strongly  represented  the  case  to  Louis. 
The  king,  owing  to  the  recent  reverses  in  America, 
began  to  distrust  the  expediency  of  an  open  alliance, 
and  to  make  some  demonstrations  against  the  interest 
awakened  in  behalf  of  transatlantic  freedom.  Lafay 
ette,  being  suspected,  was  constantly  under  the  espi 
onage  of  his  own  and  a  foreign  government,  but  the 
same  calm  forethought  which  he  afterwards  displayed 
upon  the  field  of  battle,  was  manifested  during  the 
progress  of  this,  his  conflict  with  unseen  foes.  With 
heroic  fortitude  he  pressed  on,  surmounting  each  ob 
stacle  as  it  arose,  looking  as  tranquilly  upon  the  diffi 
culties  that  environed  him  at  home,  and  the  dangers 
awaiting  him  abroad,  as  one  would  gaze  upon  the 


20  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

quiet  sea,  or  watch  the  bright  clouds  as  they  wan 
dered  over  a  summer  sky. 

To  his  wife,  whom  he  tenderly  loved,  Lafayette 
revealed  nothing  of  his  plans.  He  knew  perfectly 
her  affection,  and  that  the  delicate  situation  in  which 
she  was  placed  would  increase  her  unwillingness  to 
bear  the  separation.  This  latter  circumstance  espe 
cially  affected  him.  But  his  mind  was  fully  decided, 
and  he  bowed  to  the  necessity  which  seemed  laid 
upon  him.  He  knew  that  she  would  bear  the  stroke 
better,  should  it  come  when  no  power  could  avert 
it,  than  if  she  were  for  a  long  time  to  see  the  im 
pending  doom.  To  escape  her  knowledge  and  the 
surveillance  of  royalty,  his  ship  was  purchased  and 
preparations  made  for  his  departure  through  his  friend 
Mr.  Duboismartin,  the  secretary  of  the  Count  de 
Broglie.  Lafayette  controlled  every  thing,  but  the 
secretary  was  the  visible  channel  through  which  all 
his  directions  flowed. 

In  the  midst  of  his  preparations,  the  French  go 
vernment  wished  to  send  Lafayette  on  a  diplomatic 
mission  to  London.  His  associate  was  the  Prince 
de  Poix,  and  though  the  journey,  occurring  at  this 
time,  was  eminently  distasteful  to  him,  he  was  aware 
that  it  would  only  excite  suspicion  to  refuse,  and 
accordingly  submitted  to  the  journey  with  as  much 
suavity  as  he  could  command.  Dr.  Franklin,  who 
clearly  saw  the  difficulties  which  the  Marquis  would 
encounter,  should  his  contemplated  sailing  for  Ame 
rica  become  known  to  the  government,  advised  his 
visit  to  London,  in  the  hope  that  this  would  divert 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  21 

the  inquiries  which  he  knew  were  constantly  and  bu 
sily  made  in  reference  to  all  his  operations. 

More  from  this  consideration  than  any  other,  La 
fayette  went.  His  rank  gained  him  attention  at  once, 
at  the  court  of  St.  James ;  but  on  reaching  London, 
before  paying  his  respects  to  the  British  Majesty,  he 
sought  an  interview  with  Bancroft,  the  American. 
The  distinction  with  which  he  was  received  by  the 
nobility,  and  his  flattering  reception  at  court,  did  not 
change  his  sentiments  at  all  respecting  the  struggle 
between  England  and  her  colonies.  His  design  of 
enlisting  personally  in  the  strife  was  concealed,  but 
his  opinions  were  openly  avowed.  He  expressed 
them  even  at  the  house  of  Lord  Germain,  who  was 
minister  for  the  colonml  domain ;  and  while  at  Lord 
Rawdon's,  who  had  j^*j)  returned  from  New  York, 
he  signified  his  joy  at  the  news  of  the  victory  at 
Trenton.  Offers  were  made  him  to  visit  the  sea 
ports,  and  inspect  the  vessels  which  were  fitting  out 
against  the  rebels,  but  all  these  invitations  were  in 
variably  refused.  His  stay  in  London  was  short,  for 
his  restless  spirit  was  anxious  to  get  back  to  Paris 
and  superintend  his  movements  there.  "  At  the  end 
of  three  weeks,"  he  writes,  "  when  it  became  neces 
sary  for  me  to  return  home,  while  refusing  to  accom 
pany  my  uncle,  the  ambassador  to  court,  I  confided  to 
him  my  strong  desire  to  take  a  trip  to  Paris.  He 
proposed  saying  that  I  was  ill  during  my  absence. 
I  should  not  have  made  use  of  this  stratagem  myself, 
but  did  not  object  to  his  doing  so." 

Hastening  back  thus  early  to  the  capital,  conceal- 


22  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

merit  was  necessary,  lest  his  sudden  return  should 
give  rise  to  unwelcome  suspicions.  Repairing  to  the 
house  of  the  Baron  de  Kalb,  he  spent  three  days  in 
secret  interviews  with  Americans  and  a  few  of  his 
friends,  in  whom  he  could  confide.  The  confinement 
and  the  restraint  under  which  he  felt  himself  placed 
in  these  circumstances,  were  irksome  to  his  bold  and 
frank  nature,  which  could  work  at  daylight  in  the 
very  face  of  danger,  generally  with  far  greater  suc 
cess,  and  always  with  far  more  ease,  than  when  en 
gaged  in  secret  intrigue,  and  desirous  to  escape  the 
observation  of  all.  Through  one  of  his  agents,  a  ship 
had  been  bought,  and  was  now  in  progress  of  equip 
ment  for  him  at  Bordeaux.  Unwilling  to  trust  the 
whole  management  of  it  to  others,  and  anxious  to  see 
the  progress  made,  he  hastiEtaieft  Paris  and  set  out 
for  that  city.  His  scheme,  nowever,  began  to  be 
known.  It  was  impossible  that  the  extensive  outfit 
which  he  was  actively  making,  should  for  a  long 
time  escape  the  observation  of  spies  with  whom  he 
was  surrounded.  It  is  probable  that  the  vigilance 
with  which  he  was  watched  had  already  detected 
his  absence  from  London,  and  conjectured,  if  it  had 
not  learned  with  certainty,  his  return.  There  is  rea 
son  to  believe  that  this  was  immediately  laid  before 
Louis  by  the  English  ambassador,  together  with  an 
earnest  remonstrance  against  the  plan  of  Lafayette, 
the  outline  of  which  was  disclosed.  It  is,  at  least, 
certain  that  information  was  communicated  to  the 
court  of  Versailles,  and  representations  made  to  the 
king,  which  led  to  an  order  for  the  arrest  of  La- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  23 

fayette,  soon  after  he  had  reached  Bordeaux.  Ti 
dings  of  this  were  at  once  communicated  to  the  Mar 
quis,  and,  flying  from  France  to  Spain,  he  resolved 
to  complete  his  arrangements  at  Passage,*  and  to  em 
bark  for  America  from  that  port.  Disguise  was  now 
at  an  end.  He  openly  avowed  his  intentions,  as  well 
as  his  purpose  that.no  mortal  power  should  prevent 
their  accomplishment. 

At  Passage  his  firmness  was  put  to  the  severest 
test.  Letters  arrived  from  his  family,  which  were 
not  only  urgent  in  then-  entreaties  for  him  to  remain, 
but  violent  in  their  denunciations  of  his  project.  He 
was  reproached  for  his  want  of  parental  care,  and 
even  taunted  for  faithlessness  to  her  whom  he  had 
sworn  to  love.  This  was  a  terrible  trial  to  his  sen 
sitive  spirit,  but  he  resolutely  bore  it.  The  Countess 
Anastasie  was  tenderly  beloved  by  him,  and  it  was 
his  bitterest  struggle  to  tear  himself  from  her  with 
out  a  parting  adieu.  To  be  charged  with  want  of 
affection,  when  it  was  burning  intensely  on  its  secret 
altar,  was  subduing;  but  he  endured  this,  arid  more. 
Letters  came,  under  kingly  authority,  peremptorily 
forbidding  his  embarkation  for  the  new  world.  Louis 
signified  his  highest  displeasure  should  he  disobey 
this  order;  and  Lafayette  well  knew  the  meaning  of 
the  threat.  Disobedience  to  the  commands  of  his 
sovereign  was,  for  one  in  his  position,  no  trivial  af 
fair.  It  made  him  liable  to  the  confiscation  of  all  his 
immense  estates,  and  subjected  him  to  outlawry  and 

*  A  Spanish  port 


24  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

disgrace.  Should  he  persevere,  he  might  land  on  a 
foreign  shore  penniless  and  forsaken,  under  a  mon 
arch's  frown,  and  with  nothing  but  his  sword  to  aid 
the  cause  which  he  had  so  zealously  espoused.  No 
thing,  however,  could  daunt  him,  or  change  his  indo 
mitable  will.  Feigning  obedience,  for  the  purpose  of 
seeking  a  more  favorable  opportunity  for  weighing  an 
chor,  he  returned  to  Bordeaux,  and  wrote  to  the  min 
istry,  asking  leave  to  consummate  his  plans.  He 
frankly  owned  their  nature  and  design,  but  plead  as  a 
reason  why  he  should  be  allowed  to  go,  the  benefit 
which  would  accrue  to  France  could  the  pride  of  Eng 
land  be  humbled  by  wresting  the  transatlantic  posses 
sions  from  her  hand.  Cogent  as  these  reasons  were,  and 
deedply  as  they  were  felt,  the  king  was  not  then  willing 
to  afford  the  slightest  umbrage  to  his  powerful  rival, 
and  accordingly  the  petition  of  Lafayette  was  refused. 
This  he  learned  through  a  friend,  as  no  direct  answer 
was  ever  sent.  At  Bordeaux  he  received  orders  to 
proceed  to  Marseilles  and  join  himself  to  the  Duke 
d'Ayen  who  was  going  into  Italy.  Upon  pretence  of 
obeying  he  set  off  from  Bordeaux ;  but  instead  of  ta 
king  the  road  to  Marseilles,  passed  directly  southward 
to  Bayonne.  His  steps  were  closely  watched,  arid  be 
fore  he  had  proceeded  many  hours,  he  found  that  pur 
suers  were  on  the  track.  Changing  his  dress  for  that 
of  a  courier,  and  concealing  himself  in  a  stable  while 
the  coach  in  which  he  was  traveling  stopped  at  Bay- 
onrie,  he  hoped  to  elude  detection.  He  had  the  start 
of  the  messengers,  and  could  easily  distance  them. 
At  St.  Jean  de  Luz,  a  village  near  the  boundary  line 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  25 

of  France  and  Spain,  he  was  recognized  by  one  who 
observed  him  while  on  his  previous  tour  from  Passage 
to  Bordeaux.  It  was  a  woman,  however,  and  a  single 
sign  from  Lafayette  for  her  to  keep  silent,  made  the 
secret  safe.  He  reached  Passage  in  safety,  found  his 
vessel  in  readiness,  and  March  26th,  1777,  with  sails 
outspread,  the  prow  of  his  gallant  Victory  was  turned 
toward  the  strand  hallowed  by  the  footsteps  of  free 
dom.  By  way  of  signifying  his  disapprobation,  Louis 
XVI  immediately  granted  permission  to  a  Major  Gen 
eral  in  the  French  army,*  to  offer  his  services  to  the 
king  of  Great  Britain  to  assist  in  subduing  his  rebel 
lious  subjects.  Despatches  were  instantly  sent  to  the 
national  forces  at  the  West  Indies  to  arrest  Lafayette, 
should  his  vessel,  as  was  expected,  stop  there  on  its 
way.  The  sagacity  of  the  Marquis  was,  however, 
equal  to  the  emergency.  Suspecting  that  he  might 
be  detained  should  he  touch  at  the  Islands,  as  soon 
as  he  got  fairly  to  sea,  he  ordered  the  captain  to 
steer  directly  for  the  American  coast.  This  officer  at 
first  refused,  but  the  Marquis  was  peremptory  and 
unyielding,  and  the  course  of  the  vessel  was  accor 
dingly  changed.  The  voyage  was  long  and  tedious. 
The  ship  was  heavy,  and  its  slow  sailing  and  rolling 
motion  soon  added  sea  sickness  to  the  trials  of  the 
young  soldier.  Recovering,  he  addresses  the  follow 
ing  letter  to  his  wife,  which,  as  it  breathes  the  lan 
guage  of  affection,  will  be  interesting  to  the  reader: 


*  The  Count  de  Bulkely. 


26  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

"On  board  the  Victory,  May  30,  1777. 

*  *  "  How  many  fears  and  anxieties  enhance 
the  keen  anguish  I  feel  at  being  separated  from  all  that 
I  love  most  fondly  in  the  world !  How  have  you 
borne  my  second  departure  1  Have  you  loved  me 
less  1  Have  you  pardoned  me  1  Have  you  reflected 
that,  at  all  events,  I  must  equally  have  been  parted 
from  you  —  wandering  about  in  Italy,  dragging  on  an 
inglorious  life,  surrounded  by  the  persons  most  opposed 
to  my  projects  and  to  my  manner  of  thinking  1  All 
these  reflections,  did  not  prevent  me  from  experiencing 
the  most  bitter  grief  when  the  moment  arrived  for 
quitting  my  native  shore.  Your  sorrow,  and  that  of 
my  friends,  all  rushed  upon  my  thoughts,  and  my  heart 
was  torn  by  a  thousand  painful  feelings.  I  could  not, 
at  that  instant,  find  any  excuse  for  my  own  conduct. 
If  you  could  know  all  that  I  have  suffered,  and  the 
melancholy  days  that  I  have  passed,  while  thus  flying 
from  all  that  I  love  best  in  the  world !  Must  I  join  to 
this  affliction  the  grief  of  hearing  that  you  do  not  par 
don  me  1  I  should,  in  truth,  my  love,  be  too  un 
happy.  " 

His  ardor  for  liberty,  is  well  exemplified  in  the 
following  extract  from  another  letter,  dated 

"  On  board  the  Victory,  June  7th. 

"  I  am  still  floating  upon  this  dreary  plain,  the  most 
wearisome  of  all  human  habitations.  To  console  my 
self  a  little,  I  think  of  you  and  of  my  friends.  I  think 
of  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  again.  How  delightful 
will  be  the  moment  of  my  arrival !  I  shall  hasten  to 
surprise  and  embrace  you.  I  shall,  perhaps,  find  you 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  27 

with  your  children.  To  think,  only,  of  that  happy 
moment  is  an  inexpressible  pleasure  to  me  ;  —  do  not 
fancy  that  it  is  distant  ;  —  although  the  time  of  my 
absence  will  appear,  I  own,  very  long  to  me,  yet,  we 
shall  meet  sooner  than  you  can  expect.  While  defend 
ing  the  liberty  I  adore,  I  shall  enjoy  perfect  freedom 
myself;  I  but  offer  my  services  to  that  interesting 
Republic  from  motives  of  the  purest  kind,  unmixed 
with  ambition  or  private  views  ;  her  happiness  and  my 
glory  are  my  only  incentives  to  the  task.  I  hope,  that 
for  my  sake,  you  will  become  a  good  American,  for 
that  feeling  is  worthy  of  every  noble  heart.  The 
happiness  of  America  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
happiness  of  all  mankind.  She  will  become  the  safe 
and  respected  asylum  of  virtue,  integrity,  toleration, 
equality,  and  tranquil  happiness." 

After  a  tedious  voyage  of  almost  two  months  in 
duration,  the  Victory  came  in  sight  of  the  American 
shores.  A  thrill  of  unspeakable  emotion  passed  over 
the  frame  of  the  heroic  stranger,  as  the  long,  low, 
sand-plains  of  the  eastern  coast  of  South  Carolina, 
spread  away  before  his  vision.  This  was  the  land, 
towards  which  all  the  earnest  yearnings  of  his  soul 
had  gone  forth  ;  over  which  hung  his  most  radiant 
hopes  and  anticipations.  What  fortunes  awaited  him 
there  ;  —  what  reception  would  he  meet  ;  —  what 
were  now  the  prospects  of  the  glorious  conflict,  upon 
whose  triumph  he  had  staked  his  all ;  —  what  would 
be  his  fate  ;  —  should  he  fall  early  in  battle,  or  live 
to  see  the  victorious  issue  of  the  struggle,  and  go 
back  to  France,  himself  covered  with  glory,  and 


28  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

bearing  in  his  heart  the  gratitude  of  a  free  people, 
for  his  timely  aid  in  breaking  their  fetters'?  These, 
and  similar  inquiries  thronged  his  mind  ;  but  all  van 
ished  before  the  rapture  of  his  arrival.  He  landed  at 
Winyau  Bay,  about  sixty  miles  northeast  from  Charles 
ton,  on  the  14th  of  June,  1777 


CHAPTER  II. 

LAFAYETTE  IN  AMERICA — RECEPTION  —  VISITS  CHARLESTON  —  LETTER  TO  HH 
WIFE — PROCEEDS  NORTHWARD  TO  PHILADELPHIA  —  His  RECEPTION  THERE  — 
DISTRUST  OF  CONGRESS — RESOLUTIONS  PASSED  —  LAFAYETTE  MEETS  WASH 
INGTON—FRIENDSHIP  OF  THE  TWO— DARK  PROSPECTS  OF  THE  REVOLUTION— 
BATTLE  OF  BRANDYWINE —  HEROIC  CONDUCT  OF  LAFAYETTE  —  Is  WOUNDED— 
AT  BETHLEHEM — LETTERS — AGAIN  AT  CAMP — ACCOMPANIES  GEN.  GREENE  TO 
NEW  JERSEY — ENGAGEMENT  AT  GLOUCESTER — LAFAYETTE  is  APPOINTED  TO 
A  COMMAND — WINTER  QUARTERS  AT  VALLEY  FORGE — THE  CONWAY  CABAL— 
EXPEDITION  AGAINST  CANADA  — LAFAYETTE  RETURNS  TO  VALLEY  FORGE. 

LAFAYETTE  and  the  Baron  de  Kalb,  who  accom 
panied  him,  stepping  on  liberty's  soil  mutually  swore 
to  conquer,  or  die  in  the  contest  upon  which  they 
were  entering.  It  was  midnight  when  the  canoe, 
which  had  conveyed  them  from  the  ship  to  the  land 
ing  place  up  the  bay,  rested  on  the  silent  beach. 
The  Marquis  was  in  high  spirits,  now  that  he  was 
fairly  across  the  monotonous  sea  ;  and  he  could  look 
confidently  forward  to  the  fruition  of  his  hopes. 
Beneath  that  midnight  sky,  with  the  stars  looking 
calmly  down  upon  him,  and  the  land  he  had  come 
to  defend  slumbering  at  his  feet,  the  patriotic  self- 
devotion  of  the  young  adventurer  was  a  romantic 
and  beautiful  beginning  of  a  brilliant  career.  At  the 
house  of  Major  Benjamin  Huger*  he  met  with  a 
hearty  welcome,  and  received  all  the  attention  which 
generous  hospitality,  and  a  due  appreciation  of  hia 

*  Tliis  officer  fell,  covered  with  wounds,  during  Provost's  invasion. 


30  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

magnanimity,  could  bestow.  Lafayette  was  charmed 
with  every  thing  that  he  saw  about  him.  "  The 
novelty  of  all  that  surrounded  him  the  next  morning 
when  he  awoke  —  the  room,  the  bed  covered  with 
mosquito  nets,  the  black  servants  who  came  to  ask 
his  commands,  the  beauty  and  foreign  aspect  of  the 
country  which  he  beheld  from  his  windows,  and 
which  was  covered  with  a  rich  vegetation,  all  united 
to  produce  on  his  mind  a  magical  effect,  and  excite 
in  him  a  variety  of  inexpressible  emotions." 

Remaining  but  a  short  time  amid  the  pleasures  of 
this  attractive  retreat,  he  set  out  for  Charleston,  to 
make  arrangements  for  the  return  of  his  vessel  to 
France,  before  he  should  go  northward  to  Phila 
delphia.  He  here  met  with  General  Moultrie,  and  was 
so  delighted  with  his  recent  gallant  defence  of  the 
fort  on  Sullivan's  island,  that  he  at  once  presented 
him  with  clothing,  arms,  and  accoutrements,  for  one 
hundred  men.  From  Charleston  he  writes  to  his 
wife,  dated  June  19th. 

"  I  landed  at  Charleston,  after  having  sailed  for 
several  days  along  a  coast  swarming  with  hostile 
vessels.  On  my  arrival  here,  every  one  told  me 
that  my  ship  must  undoubtedly  be  taken,  because 
two  English  frigates  had  blockaded  the  harbor.  I 
even  sent,  both  by  land  and  by  sea,  orders  to  the 
captain  to  put  the  men  on  shore,  and  burn  the  ves 
sel,  if  he  had  still  the  power  of  doing  so.  Eh  bien !  by 
a  most  extraordinary  piece  of  good  fortune,  a  sud 
den  gale  of  wind  having  blown  away  the  frigates  for 
a  short  time,  my  vessel  arrived  at  noon-day,  without 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  31 

having  encountered  friend  or  foe.  At  Charleston  I 
have  met  with  General  Howe,  a  general  officer,  now 
engaged  in  service.  The  governor  of  the  state  is 
expected  this  evening  from  the  country.  All  the 
persons  with  whom  I  wished  to  be  acquainted,  have 
shown  me  the  greatest  attention  and  politeness,  (not 
European  politeness  merely.)  I  can  only  feel  grati 
tude  for  the  reception  I  have  met  with,  although  1 
have  not  yet  thought  proper  to  enter  into  any  detail 
respecting  my  future  prospects  and  arrangements. 
I  wish  to  see  the  Congress  first.  I  hope  to  set  out 
in  two  days  for  Philadelphia,  which  is  a  land  journey 
of  more  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  leagues.  We  shall 
divide  into  small  parties.  I  have  already  purchased 
horses  and  light  carriages  for  this  purpose. 

;'  I  shall  now  speak  to  you,  my  love,  about  the 
country  and  its  inhabitants,  who  are  as  agreeable  as 
my  enthusiasm  had  led  me  to  imagine.  Simplicity 
of  manner,  kindness  of  heart,  love  of  country  and  of 
liberty,  and  a  delightful  state  of  equality,  are  met 
with  universally.  The  richest  and  the  poorest  man 
are  completely  on  a  level  ;  and  although  there  are 
some  immense  fortunes  in  this  country,  I  may  chal 
lenge  any  one  to  point  out  the  slightest  difference  in 
their  respective  manner  toward  each  other.  I  first 
saw  and  judged  of  a  country  life  at  Major  Huger's 
house.  I  am  at  present  in  this  city,  where  every 
thing  somewhat  resembles  the  English  customs,  ex 
cept  that  you  find  more  simplicity  here  than  you 
would  do  in  England.  Charleston  is  one  of  the  best 
built,  handsomest,  and  most  agreeable  cities  that  I 


S3  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

have  ever  seen.  The  American  women  are  very 
pretty,  and  have  great  simplicity  of  character.  The 
extreme  neatness  of  their  appearance  is  truly  de 
lightful.  Cleanliness  is  every  where  even  more  stu 
diously  attended  to  here  than  in  England.  What 
gave  me  most  pleasure  is  to  see  how  completely  the 
citizens  are  all  brethren  of  one  family.  In  America 
there  are  none  poor,  and  none  even  that  can  be 
called  peasants.  Each  citizen  has  some  property, 
and  all  citizens  have  the  same  rights  as  the  richest 
individual  or  landed  proprietor  in  the  country.  The 
inns  are  very  different  from  those  in  Europe  ;  the 
host  and  hostess  sit  at  the  table  with  you,  and  do 
the  honors  of  a  comfortable  meal,  and  when  you 
depart,  you  pay  your  bill  without  being  obliged  to 
tax  it.  If  you  should  dislike  going  to  inns,  you  may 
always  find  country  houses,  in  which  you  will  be  re 
ceived,  as  a  good  American,  with  the  same  attention 
that  you  might  expect  to  find  at  a  friend's  house  in 
Europe. 

"  My  own  reception  has  been  most  peculiarly  agree 
able.  To  have  been  merely  my  traveling  companion 
suffices  to  secure  the  kindest  welcome.  I  have  just 
passed  five  hours  at  a  large  dinner,  given  in  compli 
ment  to  me  by  an  individual  of  this  town.  Generals 
Howe  and  Moultrie,  and  several  officers  of  my  suite, 
were  present.  We  drank  each  others'  health,  and  en 
deavored  to  talk  English,  which  I  am  beginning  to 
speak  a  little.  1  shall  pay  a  visit  to-morrow,  with 
these  gentlemen,  to  the  governor  of  the  state,  and 
make  the  last  arrangements  for  my  departure.  The 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  33 

next  day,  the  commanding  officer  here  will  take  me  to 
see  the  town  and  its  environs,  and  I  shall  then  set  out 
to  join  the  army. 

"From  the  agreeable  life  I  lead  in  this  country, 
from  the  sympathy  which  makes  me  feel  as  much  at 
ease  with  the  inhabitants  as  if  I  had  known  them 
twenty  years,  the  similarity  between  their  manner  of 
thinking  and  my  own,  my  love  of  glory  and  of  liberty, 
you  might  imagine  that  I  am  very  happy ;  but  you  are 
not  with  me,  my  dearest  love  ;  my  friends  are  not  with 
me ;  and  there  is  no  happiness  for  me  when  far  from 
you  and  them.  I  often  ask  you  if  you  still  love ;  but 
I  put  that  question  still  more  often  to  myself,  and  my 
heart  ever  answers  yes  ;  —  I  trust  that  my  heart  does 
not  deceive  me.  I  am  inexpressibly  anxious  to  hear 
from  you,  and  hope  to  find  some  letters  at  Philadelphia. 
My  only  fear  is,  lest  the  privateer  which  was  to  bring 
them  to  me,  may  have  been  captured  on  her  way.  Al 
though,  I  can  easily  imagine  that  I  have  excited  the 
special  displeasure  of  the  English,  by  taking  the  liberty 
of  coming  hither  in  spite  of  them,  and  landing  before 
their  very  face,  yet,  I  must  confess  that  we  shall  be 
even  more  than  on  a  par  if  they  have  succeeded  in 
catching  that  vessel,  the  object  of  my  fondest  hopes, 
by  which  I  am  expecting  to  receive  your  letters.  I 
entreat  you  to  send  me  both  long  and  frequent  letters. 
You  are  not  sufficiently  conscious  of  the  joy  with 
which  I  shall  receive  them.  Embrace,  most  tenderly, 
my  Henriette ;  may  I  add,  embrace  our  children? 
The  father  of  those  poor  children  is  a  wanderer,  but 
he  is,  nevetheless,  a  good,  honest  man — a  good  father, 


34  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

warmly  attached  to  his  family,  and  a  good  husband, 
also,  for  he  loves  his  wife  most  tenderly.  The  night 
is  far  advanced,  the  heat  intense,  and  I  am  devoured 
by  gnats ;  but  the  best  countries,  as  you  perceive, 
nave  their  inconveniences.  Adieu,  my  love,  adieu." 

This  letter  is  full  of  interest.  It  adds  a  fresh  color 
ing  to  the  character  of  its  author;  all  the  exciting 
circumstances  attending  his  advent  on  a  new  continent, 
did  not  create  forgetfulness  of  the  duties  home-affec 
tions  imposed.  Upon  the  same  altar  glowed  conjugal 
and  parental  love,  with  the  deepest  devotion  to  a  bleed 
ing  and  ravaged  country.  The  manner  in  which  he 
speaks  of  the  equality  of  American  society,  and  his 
delight  in  contemplating  a  country  without  peasantry, 
show  that  aristocratic  prejudices  of  rank  and  titles 
were  entirely  in  abeyance  to  an  expansive  and  unri 
valed  philanthropy.  In  all  his  intercourse  with  others, 
he  was  ready  to  forget  himself  and  his  position,  and  be 
one  of  the  plain  people  by  whom  he  was  surrounded. 
But  he  longed  for  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  battle 
field.  His  delay  at  Charleston  was  wearisome  to  him. 
Though  at  a  great  distance  from  the  seat  of  war,  he 
caught  up  every  rumor  and  vague  report,  with  his  eye 
kindling  like  the  eagle's,  when,  imprisoned,  he  hears 
from  afar  the  cry  of  his  fellow.  Young  in  years,  he 
was  yet  mature  in  every  point  of  character.  He  as 
tonished  ordinary  men  no  more,  by  his  adherence  to 
the  doubtful  fortunes  of  freedom,  than  he  did  veteran 
soldiers  by  the  sagacity  and  breadth  of  his  views. 
Here,  as  ever,  he  won  the  admiration,  respect,  and  love, 
of  all  who  came  within  the  atmosphere  of  his  magical 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE. 


35 


presence.  As  soon  as  practicable,  leaving  Charleston, 
Lafayette  was  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia.  The  travel 
was  exhausting,  though  he  hardly  knew  it  in  the  fine 
excitement  his  enterprize  awakened.  In  our  day,  rail 
roads  and  steam  boats  make  this  passage  a  pleasant 
excursion.  Then,  the  roads  were  new  and  bad,  the 
weather  often  unfavorable,  and  every  outward  circum 
stance  contributed  to  make  the  journey  toilsome  and 
discouraging.  In  a  letter  to  his  wife,  written  at  Pe- 
tersburgh,  Va.?  July  17th,  1777,  he  says: — "I  am  now 
eight  days'  journey  from  Philadelphia,  in  the  beautiful 
state  of  Virginia.  All  fatigue  is  over,  and  I  fear  that 
my  martial  labors  will  be  very  light  if  it  be  true  that 
General  Howe  has  left  New  York,  to  go,  I  know  not 
whither.  But  all  the  accounts  I  receive  are  so  uncer 
tain,  that  I  cannot  form  any  fixed  opinion  until  I  reach 
my  destination. 

"  You  must  have  learned  the  particulars  of  the  com 
mencement  of  my  journey.  You  know  that  I  set  out 
in  a  brilliant  manner,  in  a  carriage,  and  I  must  now  tell 
you  that  we  are  all  on  horseback  —  having  broken  the 
carriage  according  to  my  usual  praiseworthy  custom  — 
and  I  hope  soon  to  write  to  you  that  we  have  arrived 
on  foot.  The  journey  is  somewhat  fatiguing ;  but, 
although  several  of  my  comrades  have  suffered  a  great 
deal,  I  have  scarcely,  myself,  been  conscious  of  fatigue. 
The  captain  who  takes  charge  of  this  letter  will, 
perhaps,  pay  you  a  visit.  I  beg  you,  in  that  case, 
to  receive  him  with  great  kindness. 

"  The  farther  I  advance  to  the  north,  the  better 
pleased  am  I  with  the  country  and  its  inhabitants. 


36  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

There  is  no  attention  or  kindness  that  I  do  not  receive, 
although  many  scarcely  know  who  I  am.  But  I 
will  write  all  this  to  you  more  in  detail  from  Phila 
delphia." 

Congress  was  now  in  session  at  Philadelphia  ;  and 
immediately  upon  his  arrival,  Lafayette  presented 
himself  before  it.  The  time  was  in  many  respects 
inauspicious.  A  crowd  of  foreign  adventurers  who 
had  made  the  same  stipulations  with  Mr.  Deane  as 
himself,  had  recently  been  importuning  that  body  to 
fulfill  the  agreements  which  their  minister  at  Paris 
had  rashly  made.  Many  of  those  whom  Mr.  Deane 
had  sent  over  came  simply  to  follow  their  profession, 
without  the  slightest  regard  to  the  right  of  the  cause 
in  which  they  were  to  take  up  arms.  It  was  with 
them,  simply  a  quid  pro  quo.  They  gave  a  certain 
amount  of  service,  for  which  they  were  to  receive  a 
certain  amount  of  pay,  and  degree  of  rank  in  the 
army.  If  this  were  done,  they  had  no  farther  con 
cern.  Many  of  them  would  have  as  soon  drawn  the 
sword  for  the  enemy,  provided  they  could  have  ex 
pected  an  equal  return  for  their  employment.  We 
would  not,  however,  in  this  list,  include  all  the  foreign 
ers  who  contributed  so  materially  by  their  military 
skill  and  aid  to  final  victory.  Many  of  them  were 
brave  men  and  true  —  who  bitterly  hated  oppression. 
These  will  always  be  remembered  with  gratitude, 
while  those  who  fought  from  mercenary  motives  or 
love  of  glory,  will  be  forgotten.  Congress  thus  em 
barrassed  from  the  numerous  applications  already 
received,  was  unprepared  for  farther  solicitation. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  37 

Much  dissatisfaction  was  felt  towards  Mr.  Deane  for 
encouraging  expectations  which  could  not  be  realized. 
Many  American  officers  began  to  express  discontent 
at  seeing  themselves  suddenly  superseded  in  rank  by 
their  foreign  allies.  So  many  were  the  complaints, 
and  manifold  the  difficulties,  that  the  legislative  assem 
bly  had  almost  come  to  the  determination  not  to 
receive  farther  requests  of  the  kind  ;  and  when  Lafay 
ette  appeared  he  was  treated  with  coolness,  which 
amounted  well  nigh  to  neglect.  The  young  Marquis, 
who  had  been  hailed  with  joy  upon  his  arrival,  and 
treated  with  unbounded  respect  until  now,  could  not 
have  anticipated  a  change  so  marked,  and  undesign- 
edly  cruel.  Here  was  displayed  anew  that  moral 
heroism,  which  shone  in  every  hour  of  trial.  Having 
laid  his  stipulations  with  Mr.  Deane  before  Congress, 
with  the  confidence  of  unsullied  motives,  he  learned 
from  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign 
Affairs,  that  owing  to  such  circumstances  as  we  have 
detailed  above,  there  was  little  hope  that  his  request 
would  be  granted.  Seizing  a  pen,  he  immediately 
directed  to  Congress  the  following  brief  but  meaning 
note  : 

"  After  the  sacrifices  I  have  made,  I  have  a  right 
to  exact  two  favors  :  —  one  is,  to  serve  at  my  own 
expense  —  the  other  is,  to  serve  as  a  volunteer." 

Such  a  note,  in  beautiful  contrast  with  the  proud 
demands  of  many  who  had  lately  claimed  appoint 
ments,  was  an  affecting  surprise.  It  disclosed  the 
man  —  assured  them  he  was  a  benefactor,  whose^  offers 
should  not  be  lightly  esteemed.  They  soon  learned 


38  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

his  worth,  and,  with  astonishment,  the  generous  sacri 
fices  he  had  made.  Accordingly,  upon  the  31st  of 
July,  1777,  they  passed  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution  : 

"  WHEREAS,  The  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  out  of  his 
great  zeal  in  the  cause  of  liberty  in  which  the  United 
States  are  engaged,  has  left  his  family  and  connexions, 
and,  at  his  own  expense,  come  over  to  offer  his  ser 
vice  to  the  United  States,  without  pension  or  par 
ticular  allowance,  and  is  anxious  to  risk  his  life  in 
our  cause  ; 

"  RESOLVED,  That  his  services  be  accepted,  and  that 
in  consideration  of  his  zeal,  illustrious  family  and  con 
nexions,  he  have  the  rank  and  commission  of  a  Major- 
General  in  the  army  of  the  United  States." 

On  the  1st  of  August,  Lafayette  was  presented  to 
Washington.  The  tide  of  war  seemed  now  to  be 
moving  towards  Philadelphia,  and  the  Commander-in- 
Chief  had  left  Germantown,  that  he  might  place  the 
city  in  a  posture  of  defence.  The  majestic  figure, 
the  noble  deportment  and  affability  of  manners  which 
characterized  Washington,  won  the  whole  soul  of 
Lafayette.  A  kindred  chord  seemed  to  vibrate  in 
each  heart,  as  for  the  first  time  they  met,  and 
exchanged  their  salutations.  Lafayette  felt  an  un 
bounded  veneration,  while  he  stood  in  the  presence 
of  THE  MAN  OF  THE  AGE.  Washington's  sympathies 
Were  drawn  instantly  and  intensely  towards  the  young 
hero,  whose  whole  being  was  swayed  by  an  impulse 
and  purpose  similar  to  his  own.  There  was,  in  a 
sublime  sense,  a  mutual  recognition;  and  around  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  39 

willing  hearts  of  both  was  woven  then,  that  tie  of 
friendship  which  afterwards  became  a  band,  that  death 
only  could  sever.  It  was  a  dinner  party  that  opened 
this  acquaintance.  "  When  the  company  were  about 
to  separate,  Washington  took  Lafayette  aside,  spoke 
to  him  very  kindly,  complimented  him  on  the  noble 
spirit  he  had  shown,  and  the  sacrifices  he  had  made 
in  favor  of  the  American  cause,  and  then  told  him, 
that  he  should  be  pleased  if  he  would  make  the  head 
quarters  of  the  Commander-in-Chief  his  home,  es 
tablish  himself  there  whenever  he  thought  proper, 
and  consider  himself  at  all  times  as  one  of  his  family ; 
adding,  in  a  tone  of  pleasantry,  that  he  could  not 
promise  him  the  luxuries  of  a  court,  or  even  the 
conveniences  which  his  former  habits  might  have  ren 
dered  essential  to  comfort ;  —  but  since  he  had  become 
an  American  soldier,  he  would  doubtless  contrive  to 
accommodate  himself  to  the  character  he  had  assumed, 
and  submit  with  a  good  grace  to  the  customs,  man 
ners  and  privations  of  the  republican  army."  This 
invitation  was  accepted  with  eagerness  by  the  Mar 
quis,  and  was  never  afterwards  revoked  by  the  Com- 
rnander-in-Chief.  Lafayette  placed  himself  under  his 
care  and  tuition,  and  owned  himself  the  adopted  son 
of  Washington.  With  all  the  fire  of  youth,  and  all 
the  enthusiasm  of  his  nature,  he  attached  himself  to 
the  unrivaled  chieftain. 

It  was  now  a  critical  period  in  the  revolutionary  move 
ment.  Disasters  had  been  numerous,  and  victories  few; 
many,  who  at  the  beginning,  met  firmly  the  shock  of 
the  foe,  wrere  becoming  disheartened  and  despairing. 


40  LIFE  OF  GENEKAL 

Discontent  in  open  murmurs  spread  through  the  camp, 
and  the  half-clad  and  famished  militia,  in  great  numbers, 
disbanding,  returned  to  their  homes.  The  brilliant  suc 
cess  at  Trenton  had  revived  for  a  while  the  droop 
ing  courage  of  the  nation,  but  it  was  only  for  a 
deeper  depression.  The  British  forces  were  mustering 
with  renewed  energy  for  a  decisive  onset,  anticipating 
in  the  present  campaign  a  consummation  of  their 
work  —  and,  with  the  stripes  and  stars  trailing  in  the 
dust,  they  confidently  hoped  to  see  their  royal  stan 
dard  waving  over  a  submissive  people.  The  canton 
ments  of  the  main  body  of  the  English  host,  while 
in  winter  quarters,  stretched  in  a  vast  chain  from  the 
river  Raritan  on  the  North,  to  the  banks  of  the  Dela 
ware  on  the  South.  Rhode  Island  had  yielded  with 
little  opposition.  A  strong  detachment  under  the  savage 
Tryon,  had  overrun  with  a  terrifically  desolating 
march,  the  whole  southern  section  of  Connecticut. 
New  York  city  and  Long  Island  were  conquered, 
and  among  the  spoils  of  the  exulting  enemy.  In  addi 
tion,  many  distinguished  citizens  of  Pennsylvania  and 
the  Jerseys,  had  made  overtures  for  a  voluntary  sub 
mission.  A  panic  consequently  was  felt  throughout 
the  country,  and  the  beacon  light  of  freedom  shone 
with  a  fading  and  uncertain  radiance  upon  the  troubled 
deep  of  oppressed  humanity.  For  hardly  a  station 
which  the  Americans  occupied,  from  Ticonderoga  to 
Charleston,  was  free  from  peril.  But  the  most  appalling 
danger  was  the  jealousies  and  machinations  against 
the  Commander-in-Chief.  A  strong  faction  was  form 
ing  ;  the  envy  and  hate  which  are  always  cherished 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  41 

by  little  souls  against  the  great,  were  burning  towards 
him.  Gates  was  plotting  for  the  supreme  command, 
and  as  it  afterwards  transpired,  there  were  many  in 
his  interest  of  those  who  had  high  rank,  both  in  the 
army  and  in  the  state.  Of  all  these  difficulties  Lafay 
ette  gradually  became  aware,  but  looked  upon  them 
calmly  and  undismayed.  America  shall  conquer,  and 
Washington  rise  proudly  above  conspiracy,  was  a 
resolve  that  never  wavered,  amid  the  thickest  perils 
with  which  he  was  afterwards  environed. 

No  apprehensions  being  entertained  of  an  immediate 
attack  on  Philadelphia,  Washington  took  Lafayette 
with  him  to  the  camp.  The  General  soon  found  in 
his  young  protege  a  hero  of  no  ordinary  stamina. 
His  generous  devotion,  the  wisdom  and  scope  of  his 
plans,  became  daily  more  apparent.  The  commission 
which  he  had  received  from  Congress  was,  as  yet, 
only  an  honorary  one,  conferring  upon  him  no  real 
command.  This  was  a  source  of  much  embarrass 
ment  to  Washington,  as  well  as  to  the  Marquis. 
Lafayette  felt  that  he  was  young  and  inexperienced, 
and  had  not  the  boldness  to  ask  outright  to  be  in 
vested  with  the  active  duties  of  his  commission,  but 
while  stating  his  incapacities  to  Washington,  he  at 
the  same  time  took  occasion  to  hint  that  as  soon  as 
he  should  be  deemed  fit  for  the  command  of  a  di 
vision,  he  would  be  ready  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
it.  Washington  accordingly  wrote  to  Congress  upon 
the  subject,  but  received  in  return  the  intelligence, 
that  the  commission  given  to  the  Marquis  de  Lafay 
ette,  was  only  honorary,  and  that  he  could  not  yet 


42  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

receive  an  appointment.  He  manifested  no  displea 
sure  at  this  result,  but  patiently  waited  for  the  time, 
when  he  could  earn  his  rank,  and  claim  it  by  virtue 
of  his  own  services. 

On  the  llth  of  September,  1777,  was  fought  the 
battle  of  Brandywine.  The  British  fleet  under  Sir 
William  Howe,  whose  movements  along  the  American 
coast,  at  one  time  seeming  to  threaten  Philadelphia, 
and  at  another  appearing  to  meditate  an  attack  upon 
Charleston,  had  caused  much  apprehension  and  doubt, 
had,  at  last,  entered  the  Chesapeake  ;  and,  having  pro 
ceeded  up  the  Elk  river  as  far  as  it  was  safely  navi 
gable,  landed  the  forces  at  the  ferry  on  the  25th  of 
August.  The  determination  of  an  assault  upon  Phila 
delphia  was  no  longer  questionable.  The  same  army 
had  in  vain  attempted  to  reach  the  city  by  land  across 
the  Jerseys,  a  few  months  before.  With  eighteen 
thousand  men,  in  good  health  and  spirits,  admirably 
supplied  with  all  the  implements  of  war,  and  led  on  by 
the  ablest  officers,  the  hopes  of  the  invading  army 
were  high  of  a  splendid  victory.  The  day  before  Sir 
William  Howe  landed,  General  Washington,  to  inspire 
the  citizens  with  confidence,  paraded  his  troops  through 
the  streets  of  Philadelphia,  and  then  proceeded  boldly 
to  the  Brandywine.  The  popular  clamor,  favored  by 
the  voice  of  Congress,  demanded  a  battle,  and  he  de 
termined  to  risk  one,  though  without  many  proba 
bilities  on  which  his  judgment  could  base  a  hope  of 
success.  With  not  over  eleven  thousand  troops,  and 
these  miserably  clothed  and  fed,  with  their  spirits  de 
pressed  by  the  recent  calamities  and  present  darkening 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  43 

prospects,  Washington  greatly  apprehended  that  he 
could  not  successfully  compete  with  the  strength  of 
the  battalions  marching  against  him.  The  wisdom  of 
his  course,  when  viewed  in  the  light  in  which  it  should 
be  regarded,  is,  however,  unquestionable.  In  the  pre 
sent  condition  of  affairs,  defeat  wras  better  than  in 
action.  A  battle  was  demanded  by  the  public  feeling, 
and,  though  disastrous,  would  be  less  injurious  than  to 
suffer  the  enemy  to  advance  to  Philadelphia  without 
opposition. 

Washington,  having  halted  for  a  few  days  on  the 
banks  of  the  Brandywine,  to  refresh  his  troops,  and 
get  a  better  knowledge  of  the  face  of  the  country  and 
the  plans  of  the  enemy,  sent  forward  two  divisions  un 
der  Greene  and  Stephen,  who  proceeded  nearer  to  the 
head  of  the  Elk,  and  encamped  behind  White  Clay 
Creek.  Three  miles  farther  on,  at  Iron  Hill,  was  sta 
tioned  General  Maxwell,  at  the  head  of  an  effective 
corps  of  light  infantry,  formed  from  a  regiment  of 
Morgan's  riflemen,  which  had  been  detached  to  the 
northern  army.  Posting  the  cavalry  along  the  lines, 
Washington,  with  the  main  body,  crossed  the  Brandy- 
wine,  and  took  up  his  position  behind  Red  Clay  Creek, 
on  the  road  which  Sir  William  Howe  wrould  have  to 
traverse  on  his  march  to  Philadelphia.  Lafayette  was 
with  him,  and  watched  with  the  liveliest  interest,  the 
preparations  for  the  approaching  contest.  These  were 
made  with  consummate  adroitness  and  prudence,  but 
Sir  William  Howe  was  no  common  foe ;  and  the  di 
rection  which  he  seemed  contemplating  for  his  vastly 
superior  force,  decided  Washington  that  a  change  of 


44  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

his  own  position  was  necessary.  A  council  of  war 
was  held  on  the  night  of  the  9th  of  September,  when 
it  was  determined  to  retire  behind  the  Brandy  wine, 
and  meet  the  enemy  near  Chadd's  Ford,  from  the 
heights  which  ranged  along  upon  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river.  Lafayette  says  in  one  of  his  papers,  that  a 
letter  from  Congress  had  secured  this  position,  al 
though  it  had  hardly  been  examined  by  the  American 
troops.  It  was  in  many  respects  favorable,  though  the 
difficulty  and  ineligibility  of  undertaking  to  dispute  the 
passage  of  a  river  by  fronting  the  enemy  on  the  oppo 
site  side,  has  been  generally  insisted  upon  by  writers 
on  the  art  of  war.*  Foreigners  have  blamed  Wash 
ington  for  taking  this  ground,  and  engaging  in  battle 
with  his  small  army.  Their  error  consists  not  that 
they  misapply  their  military  tactics,  but  that  they  do 
not  rightly  judge  of  the  circumstances  under  which 
Washington  was  placed.  Congress  required  that  the 
enemy  should  be  fought,  and  the  country  could  not 
have  been  satisfied  without  a  conflict. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth  of  September,  soon 
after  day  break,  Lafayette  sprang  to  his  feet  at  the 
intelligence,  that  the  whole  British  army  was  in  mo 
tion,  and  advancing  towards  them  on  the  direct  road 


*  The  Marquis  fie  Feuquiere  says:  "It  is  impossible  to  guard  the 
shores  of  a  river  when  the  ground  to  be  guarded  is  of  a  great  extent, 
because  the  assailant,  pointing  his  efforts  to  several  places,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  separating  the  forces  of  his  adversary,  and  to  draw  his  attention 
to  spots  very  distant  from  each  other,  at  length  determining  to  make  his 
effort  at  the  point  where  he  finds  the  least  ability  to  resist,  always  pre 
vails  over  the  labors  and  vigilance  of  his  enemy,  more  especially  when 
lie  employs  the  night  for  the  execution  of  his  enterprise,  that  being 
most  favorable  for  concealing  the  place  of  his  principal  effort." 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  45 

leading  over  Chadd's  Ford.  General  Maxwell  had 
been  advantageously  stationed,  so  that  he  could  com 
mand  this  road  from  the  hills,  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river  ;  and  the  first  action  accordingly  began 
with  him.  The  foe  advanced  in  two  magnificent 
columns,  the  right  commanded  by  General  Knyphau 
sen,  and  the  left  by  Lord  Cornwallis.  The  plan  of 
Howe  was,  that  Knyphausen's  division  should  occupy 
the  attention  of  the  Americans,  by  making  repeated 
feints  of  attempting  the  passage  of  the  ford,  while 
Cornwallis  should  make  a  long  sweep  up  the  river, 
and  cross  it  at  Birmingham.  Knyphausen  accor 
dingly  advanced  with  his  column,  and  speedily  dis 
lodging  General  Maxwell  from  his  post,  forced  him 
to  cross  over,  though  with  but  little  loss.  A  furious 
cannonading  was  instantly  begun,  and  other  demon 
strations  made,  which  indicated  the  intention  of  the 
British  immediately  to  attempt  the  passage  of  the 
Ford.  The  day  was  occupied  in  preventing  this, 
till  eleven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  the  move 
ment  of  Cornwallis  was  first  announced  to  Washing 
ton.  A  smile  of  delight  played  upon  his  countenance, 
and  he  immediately  determined  upon  one  of  those  bold, 
but  judicious  plans,  for  which  he  was  remarkable. 
Placing  himself  at  the  head  of  the  center  and  left 
wing  of  the  army,  he  resolved  to  cross  the  river  in 
person,  and  overwhelm  Knyphausen  before  Cornwallis 
could  be  summoned  back  to  his  aid.  His  ranks  were 
already  formed  for  the  passage,  and  his  troops  had 
answered  to  the  proposition  with  deafening  shouts, 
when  a  messenger  arrived  with  the  intelligence,  th 


46  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Cornwallis  had  only  made  a  feint  of  crossing  the 
fords  above,  and  was  now  actually  bringing  his 
division  down  the  southern  side  of  the  river,  to  re 
unite  with  Knyphausen.  The  tidings  were  agony  to 
Washington  ;  though  false,  they  came  in  a  form 
wnich  constrained  him  to  believe  them  true,  and  his 
bold  project  was  accordingly  abandoned.  His  troops 
were  impatient  for  the  encounter,  but  for  two  hours 
he  could  only  give  them  quiet  directions,  while  he 
endeavored,  in  distressing  suspense,  to  gain  some 
clue  to  the  movements  of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite 
side.  At  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  his 
uncertainty  was  removed,  when  the  certain  intelli 
gence  reached  him,  that  Lord  Cornwallis,  after  hav 
ing  made  a  circuit  of  nearly  seventeen  miles,  had 
forded  the  river  above  its  forks,  and,  accompanied 
by  Sir  William  Howe,  was  advancing  upon  him. 
Close  action  was  immediately  prepared  for,  and  all 
along  the  American  lines  ran  the  accents  of  welcome 
for  the  conflict.  The  three  divisions  which  formed 
the  right  wing,  under  Generals  Sullivan,  Stirling,  and 
Stephens,  were  detached,  and,  moving  up  the  Brandy- 
wine,  fronted  the  British  column  marching  down  the 
river.  Selecting  an  advantageous  piece  of  ground 
near  Birmingham,  with  the  river  on  their  left,  and, 
having  both  flanks  covered  by  a  thick  wood,  they 
hastily  formed,  and  awaited  the  attack. 

Lafayette,  who  had  kept  by  the  side  of  Washington 
during  these  scenes,  and  marked  them  with  absorbing 
interest,  soon  saw  that  the  divisions  designed  to  meet 
Cornwallis,  were  to  receive  most  of  the  heavy  blows 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  47 

of  that  day's  battle,  and  petitioned  and  obtained  per 
mission  to  join  them.  A  burst  of  enthusiasm  greeted 
his  arrival,  as  he  threw  himself  into  the  midst  of 
the  troops,  eagerly  waiting  the  approach  of  the  foe. 
The  opportunity  which  he  sought  was  not  wanting 
long.  The  host  was  visible,  sweeping  in  grand  and 
imposing  array  over  the  plain  before  them.  When 
he  saw  the  enemy.  Lord  Cornwallis  formed  in  the 
finest  order,  and  hastening  forward,  his  first  line 
opened  a  brisk  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery  up 
on  them.  It  was  about  half  past  four  when  the 
battle  began.  The  Americans  returned  the  fire  with 
great  injury,  but  the  impetuosity  with  which  the 
English  and  Hessian  troops  threw  themselves  upon 
their  ranks,  was  more  than  they  could  withstand. 
For  a  time,  both  parties  fought  with  unparalleled 
bravery,  and  the  carnage  was  terrible.  Above  the 
shrill  notes  of  "  death's  music,"  and  louder  than  the 
roar  of  combat,  rose  the  wild  shout  of  living  men. 
The  maddening  exultation  and  the  groans,  terrible 
imprecations  and  shrieks  of  the  fallen  in  their  last 
anguish,  were  mingled  in  a  horrid  chorus,  which 
might  have  made  angels  grieve,  and  the  Demon  of 
War  ashamed  of  his  work.  For  some  time  it  was 
a  doubtful  struggle,  but  the  fiery  emulation  which 
stimulated  the  English  and  Hessians,  at  last  com 
pelled  the  Americans  to  give  way  before  them.  The 
right  wing  first  yielded,  then  the  left,  while  the  cen 
tral  division,  where  Lafayette  was  bravely  fighting, 
was  the  last  to  breast  the  storm,  which  now  con 
centrating  its  strength,  spent  its  fury  upon  those  de- 


48  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

voted  ranks.  Firm  as  a  rock  amid  the  waves  of 
ocean,  they  bore  themselves  proudly  against  the  tide 
of  victory,  which  rolled  in  fearfully  upon  them. 
By  a  skillful  manoeuvre,  Cornwallis  had  managed  to 
separate  them  from  the  two  wings,  when  defeat  be 
came  inevitable.  The  whole  fire  of  the  enemy  was 
united  against  it,  and  the  confusion  became  extreme. 
The  troops  at  first  wavered,  then  rallied,  then  wa 
vered  again,  and  at  last  fell  into  a  disorderly  retreat. 
It  was  in  vain  that  Lafayette  endeavored  to  check 
it.  Defying  danger,  he  stood  almost  single  handed 
against  the  on-coming  host,  and  endeavored  to  re 
animate  his  flying  comrades  by  his  own  example. 
It  was  all  fruitless.  A  ball  struck  him,  and  as  he 
fell,  those  remaining  on  the  field  gave  way.  Gimat, 
aid-de-camp  to  the  Marquis,  assisted  his  master  in 
getting  upon  a  horse,  and  though  the  blood  was 
flowing  profusely  from  his  wound,  Lafayette  reluc 
tantly  turned  and  joined  the  fugitives.  General  Wash 
ington  at  this  moment  arrived  with  fresh  troops,  upon 
the  field.  Greene's  divisions  had  marched  four  miles 
in  forty-two  minutes,  but  were  too  late  to  avert 
the  disasters  of  the  day.  Lafayette,  as  soon  as  he 
saw  Washington,  started  to  join  him,  but  loss  of 
blood  obliged  him  to  stop  and  have  his  wound  ban 
daged.  While  submitting  to  this,  a  band  of  soldier* 
came  upon  him  so  suddenly,  that  he  had  barely  time 
to  re-mount  for  flight,  escaping  as  by  a  miracle  the 
shower  of  bullets  which  whistled  around  his  form, 

A  general   rout  was   the  order  of  the  day.     The 
road  to   Chester  was   crowded  with   the   retreating. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  49 

Knyphausen  had  forced  the  passage  of  Chadd's  Ford, 
notwithstanding  the  obstinate  resistance  of  Generals 
Wayne  and  Maxwell,  who  had  been  left  to  defend  it. 
Washington  found  that  all  that  could  be  done  was  to 
stay  the  pursuit.  So  successful  were  his  efforts,  and 
those  of  General  Greene,  that  as  night  approached,  Sir 
William  Howe  called  in  his  troops  and  gave  over  the 
chase.  Lafayette  was  unwearied  in  his  endeavors  to 
save  the  army.  Forgetting  himself,  his  wound,  and 
every  thing  but  this  one  object,  he  exerted  himself  to 
the  utmost,  amid  the  darkness  and  dreadful  confusion 
of  that  night,  to  restore  order  among  the  fleeing  and 
despairing  soldiery.  At  Chester  Bridge,  twelve  miles 
from  the  scene  of  battle,  he  was  in  part  successful. 
The  Generals  and  the  Commander-in-chief  arrived, 
and  Lafayette,  at  last  fainting  from  loss  of  blood  and 
excessive  fatigue,  was  borne  away  to  receive  the  at 
tention  which  his  situation  demanded. 

Lafayette  was  conveyed  by  water  the  next  day  to 
Philadelphia,  while  the  army  moved  forward  by  land. 
As  soon  as  he  reached  the  city  he  sat  down  and  wrote 
the  following  to  her,  who,  next  to  liberty,  was  the 
dearest  idol  of  his  heart.  Dating  his  letter,  Phila 
delphia,  Sept.  12th,  he  says  : 

"I  must  begin  by  telling  you  that  I  am  perfectly 
well,  because  I  must  end  by  telling  you  that  we  fought 
seriously  last  night,  and  that  we  were  not  the  stronger 
party  on  the  field  of  battle.  Our  Americans,  after 
having  stood  their  ground  for  some  time,  ended  at 
length  by  being  routed.  While  endeavoring  to  rally 
them,  the  English  honored  me  with  a  musket  ball, 


50  fLIFE  OF  GENERAL 

which  slightly  wounded  me  in  the  leg,  but  it  is  a  trifle, 
my  dearest  love;  the  ball  touched  neither  bone  nor 
nerve,  and  I  have  escaped  with  the  obligation  of  lying 
upon  my  back  for  some  time,  which  puts  me  much  out 
of  humor.  I  hope  you  will  feel  no  anxiety.  This 
event  ought,  on  the  contrary,  rather  to  re-assure  you, 
since  I  am  incapacitated  from  appearing  on  the  field 
for  some  time.  I  have  resolved  to  take  great  care  of 
myself;  be  convinced  of  this,  my  love.  This  affair 
will,  I  fear,  be  attended  with  bad  consequences  for 
America,  but  we  will  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  repair 
the  evil.  You  must  have  received  many  letters  from 
me  unless  the  English  be  as  ill-disposed  towards  my 
epistles  as  towards  my  legs.  I  have  not  yet  received 
one  letter,  and  I  am  most  impatient  to  hear  from  you. 
Adieu ;  I  am  forbidden  to  write  longer." 

The  news  of  the  battle  of  Brandywine  occasioned 
so  much  apprehension  for  the  safety  of  Philadelphia, 
that  Congress  abruptly  adjourned  from  that  city  to 
Bristol.  Lafayette  was  also  carried  thither,  whence 
he  was  taken  to  Bethlehem  to  remain  under  the  care 
of  the  Moravian  Society  there,  until  his  permanent  re 
covery.  Soon  after  his  arrival  at  this  quiet  retreat, 
he  again  wrote  a  letter,  full  of  interest,  to  his  wife.  It 
is  dated  October  1st,  1777,  and  reads  as  follows  : 

"I  wrote  to  you,  my  dearest  love,  the  12th  of  Sep 
tember  ;  the  twelfth  was  the  day  after  the  eleventh, 
and  I  have  a  little  tale  to  relate  to  you  concerning  that 
eleventh  day.  To  render  my  action  more  meritorious, 
I  might  tell  you  that  prudent  reflections  induced  me  to 
remain  for  some  weeks  in  bed,  safe  sheltered  from  all 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  51 

danger;  but  I  must  acknowledge  that  I  was  encouraged 
to  take  this  measure  by  a  slight  wound,  which  I  met 
with  I  know  not  how,  for  I  did  not,  in  truth,  expose 
myself  to  peril.  It  was  the  first  conflict  at  which  I 
had  been  present,  so  you  see  how  very  rare  engage 
ments  are.  It  will  be  the  last  of  this  campaign,  or,  in 
all  probability,  at  least  the  last  great  battle  ;  and  if  any 
thing  should  occur  you  see  that  I  could  not  myself  be 
present. 

"  My  first  occupation  was  to  write  to  you  the  day 
after  that  affair  ;  I  told  you  that  it  was  a  mere  trifle, 
and  I  was  right ;  all  I  fear  is,  that  you  may  not  have 
received  my  letter.  As  General  Howe  is  giving, 
meanwhile,  rather  pompous  details  of  his  American 
exploits  to  the  king  his  master,  if  he  should  write  word 
that  I  am  wounded,  he  may  also  write  word  that  I 
am  killed,  which  would  not  cost  him  anything  ;  but 
I  hope  that  my  friends,  and  you  especially,  will  not 
give  faith  to  the  reports  of  those  persons  who  last  year 
dared  to  publish  that  General  Washington  and  all  the 
general  officers  of  his  army,  being  in  a  boat  together, 
had  been  upset,  and  every  individual  drowned.  But 
let  us  speak  about  the  wound  ;  —  it  is  only  a  flesh 
wound  and  has  neither  touched  bone  nor  nerve.  The 
surgeons  are  astonished  at  the  rapidity  with  which  it 
heals  ;  they  are  in  an  ecstacy  of  joy  each  time  they 
dress  it,  and  pretend  it  is  the  finest  thing  in  the  world. 
For  my  part,  I  think  it  most  disagreeable,  painful,  and 
wearisome  ;  but  tastes  often  differ.  If  a  man,  how 
ever,  wished  to  be  wounded  for  his  amusement  only, 
he  should  come  and  examine  how  I  have  been  struck, 


52  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

that  he  might  be  struck  precisely  in  the  same  manner. 
This,  my  dearest  love,  is  what  I  pompously  style  my 
wound,  to  give  myself  airs  and  render  myself  inte 


resting. 


"  I  must  now  give  you  your  lesson  as  wife  of  an 
American  general  officer.  They  will  say  to  you, — 
*  They  have  been  beaten,' — you  must  answer, — l  That 
is  true  ;  but  when  two  armies  of  equal  number  meet  in 
the  field,  old  soldiers  have  naturally  the  advantage  over 
new  ones  ;  —  they  have,  besides,  had  the  pleasure  of 
killing  a  great  many  of  the  enemy,  many  more  than 
they  have  lostf  They  will  afterwards  add; — <  All 
this  is  very  well,  but  Philadelphia  is  taken,  the  capital 
of  America,  the  rampart  of  liberty !'  You  must 
politely  answer  ;  — '  You  are  all  great  fools  !  Phila 
delphia  is  a  poor  forlorn  town,  exposed  on  every  side, 
whose  harbor  was  already  closed ;  though  the  resi 
dence  of  Congress  lent  it,  I  know  not  why,  some  degree 
of  celebrity.'  This  is  the  famous  city  which,  be  it 
added,  we  will,  sooner  or  later,  make  them  yield  back 
to  us.  If  they  continue  to  persecute  you  with  ques 
tions,  you  may  send  them  about  their  business  in  terms 
which  the  Viscount  de  Noailles  will  teach  you,  for  I 
cannot  lose  time  by  talking  to  you  of  politics. 

"  Be  perfectly  at  ease  about  my  wound  ;  all  the 
faculty  in  America  are  engaged  in  my  service.  I  have 
a  friend  who  has  spoken  to  them  in  such  a  manner  that 
I  am  certain  of  being  well  attended  to.  That  friend 
is  General  Washington.  This  excellent  man,  whose 
talents  and  virtues  I  admired,  and  whom  I  have  learned 
to  revere  as  I  know  him  better,  has  now  become 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  53 

my  intimate  friend.  His  affectionate  interest  in  me 
instantly  won  my  heart.  I  am  established  in  his  house, 
and  we  live  together  like  two  attached  brothers,  with 
mutual  confidence  and  cordiality.  This  friendship  ren 
ders  me  as  happy  as  I  can  possibly  be  in  this  country. 
When  he  sent  his  best  surgeon  to  me,  he  told  him  to 
take  charge  of  me  as  if  I  were  his  son,  because  he 
loved  me  with  the  same  affection.  Having  heard  that 
I  wished  to  rejoin  the  army  too  soon,  he  wrote  me  a 
letter,  full  of  tenderness,  in  which  he  requested  me  to 
attend  to  the  perfect  restoration  of  my  health.  I  give 
you  these  details,  my  dearest  love,  that  you  may  feel 
quite  certain  of  the  care  which  is  taken  of  me.  Among 
the  French  officers  who  have  all  expressed  the  warm 
est  interest  in  me,  M.  de  Gimat,  my  aid-de-camp,  has 
followed  me  about  like  my  shadow,  both  before  and 
since  the  battle,  and  has  given  me  every  possible  proof 
of  attachment.  You  may  thus  feel  quite  secure  on 
this  account,  both  for  the  present  and  the  future. 

"  I  am  at  present  in  the  solitude  of  Bethlehem,  which 
the  Abbe  Raynal  has  described  so  minutely.  This 
establishment  is  a  very  interesting  one  ;  —  the  frater 
nity  lead  an  agreeable  and  very  tranquil  life,  but 
we  will  talk  over  all  this  on  my  return.  I  intend  to 
weary  those  I  love,  yourself,  of  course,  in  the  first 
place,  by  the  relation  of  my  adventures,  for  you  know 
that  I  was  always  a  great  prattler. 

"  You  must  become  a  prattler  also,  my  love,  and  say 
many  things  for  me  to  Henriette  —  my  poor  little 
Henriette  !  embrace  her  a  thousand  times  ;  —  talk  of 
me  to  her,  but  do  not  tell  her  all  I  deserve  to  suffer ; — 


54  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

my  punishment  will  be,  not  to  be  recognized  by  her  on 
my  arrival ;  that  is  the  penance  Henriette  will  impose 
upon  me." 

At  Bethlehem  Lafayette  remained  for  a  number  of 
weeks,  but  his  anxiety  for  active  service  led  him  to  the 
camp  again  before  his  wound  was  healed.  Washing 
ton  received  him  with  open  arms,  but  gently  chided  his 
imprudent  zeal,  and  urged  him  to  remain  at  head  quar 
ters.  Irksome  as  this  advice  was,  the  judgment  of 
Lafayette  approved  it,  and  for  a  while  it  was  scrupu 
lously  followed.  But,  with  returning  strength,  ho 
panted  again  for  action.  Though  willing  to  serve  in 
any  capacity,  he  did  not  conceal  from  Washington  his 
wish  to  become  invested  with  authority  corresponding 
to  his  commission.  Washington  understood  and  felt 
the  force  of  the  suggestion.  Detecting  in  the  Marquis 
abilities  adapted  to  the  station  desired,  he  was  aware 
of  the  barrier  interposed,  by  the  jealousy  against 
foreign  officers,  which  was  strongly  felt  both  by  Con 
gress,  and  the  army.  He  renewed  his  efforts,  feeling 
increasingly  solicitous  because  several  French  gentle 
men,  who  came  over  under  assurances  of  obtaining  an 
honorable  command,  had  recently  returned  disap 
pointed  to  France.  Congress,  however,  was  not  yel 
disposed  to  comply  with  the  request.  Lafayette,  though 
it  cannot  be  doubted  that  he  was  somewhat  chagrined 
at  the  failure,  admirably  concealed  his  feelings,  and 
though  his  wound  was  not  yet  sufficiently  healed  to 
permit  him  to  wear  a  boot,  he  asked  and  obtained  per 
mission  to  join  as  a  volunteer,  an  expedition  which  was 
then  fitting  out  under  General  Greene,  to  operate  in 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  55 

New  Jersey.  The  object  of  it,  in  part,  was  to  give 
battle  to  Lord  Cornwallis.  Before  reaching  Billings- 
port,  where  that  officer  was  preparing  to  attack  Fort 
Mercer,  Greene  learned  with  vexation  that  the  enemy 
had  been  recently  greatly  augmented,  by  a  reinforce 
ment  from  New  York.  This  news  determined  him 
that  it  would  not  be  safe  to  offer  battle,  and  the  inten 
tion  was  accordingly  dismissed,  though  he  remained  in 
New  Jersey  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  harass,  if 
he  dare  not  attack.  Fort  Mercer  was  evacuated  on 
the  20th  of  November,  and  the  British  fleet  had  thus 
an  uninterrupted  intercourse  with  their  troops  in  Phila 
delphia.  Lord  Cornwallis  entrenched  himself  in  a 
strong  position  on  Gloucester  Point,  and  Greene  well 
knew  that  he  could  not  with  his  present  force  drive 
him  from  it.  Thus  the  main  purpose  of  the  expedition 
was  likely  to  be  defeated  ;  but  Lafayette  was  not 
inclined  to  retire  without  a  trial  of  strength.  With  a 
small  company,  he  reconnoitered  the  enemy's  picket, 
and  was  authorized  to  make  an  attack  upon  it  if  cir 
cumstances  justified.  This  was  on  the  25th  of  Novem 
ber.  Having  spent  most  of  the  day  in  examining  fully 
as  possible  the  situation  of  the  enemy's  camp,  he  was 
at  length  discovered,  and  a  detachment  of  dragoons 
sent  off  to  intercept  him.  Eluding  these,  he  came  sud 
denly  upon  a  picket  of  four  hundred  Hessians,  writh 
their  field  pieces  posted,  at  about  two  and  a  half  miles 
from  Gloucester.  His  own  company  numbered  about 
three  hundred  men,  but  all  being  in  fine  spirits,  the 
enemy  was  immediately  attacked.  So  sudden  was  the 
onset,  that  the  Hessians  were  forced  to  fly,  barely 


56  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

firing  a  single  shot.  They  were  driven  for  more  than 
half  a  mile,  when  detachments  came  to  their  assistance, 
and  they  turned  to  face  their  pursuers.  Lafayette  was 
not  dismayed.  His  men  had  as  yet  met  with  no  loss, 
and  now  fought  with  great  impetuosity  The  rein 
forcements  were  first  overthrown,  and  then  the  Hes 
sians  again  precipitately  fled.  The  heroic  band  chased 
them  till  dark,  and  then  returned  in  high  glee  to  camp, 
with  only  five  wounded,  arid  having  lost  but  one  man. 
The  loss  of  the  British  was  considerable,  and  a  number 
of  prisoners  were  taken  in  the  engagement.  Lafayette 
was  elated  with  the  adventure  and  highly  commended 
by  General  Greene,  for  the  skill  and  bravery  he 
displayed. 

This  engagement  offered  a  fresh  opportunity  for 
Washington  to  press  the  claims  of  Lafayette  upon  the 
attention  of  Congress.  That  body,  as  if  conscious  of 
their  injustice,  now  promptly  responded  to  the  pressing 
entreaties  of  the  Commander-in-Chief.  On  the  1st 
of  December,  1777,  the  following  resolution  was 
passed  : 

"  RESOLVED,  That  General  Washington  be  informed 
it  is  highly  agreeable  to  Congress  that  the  Marquis  de 
Lafayette  be  appointed  to  the  command  of  a  division 
in  the  continental  army." 

This  was  joyful  tidings  both  to  the  Marquis  and  to 
Washington.  Three  days  after  it  was  received  Lafay 
ette  was  publicly  invested  with  his  rank,  and  placed 
over  the  division  of  Virginia  troops,  lately  led  by 
General  Stephens.  He  returned  suitable  thanks  to 
Washington,  but  it  should  be  mentioned  to  his  honor, 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  57 

that  he  had  been  entirely  devoted  to  the  cause  of  free 
dom,  during  the  time  he  was  suffering  the  rebuffs  of 
the  nation  for  whose  sake  he  was  an  exile  from 
princely  affluence  and  domestic  joy. 

It  was  now  almost  time  for  the  campaign  of  1777 
to  close.  General  Greene  had  been  ordered  to  re- 
cross  the  Delaware,  and  join  again  the  main  body 
of  the  army.  Sir  William  Howe  had  also  recalled 
Lord  Cornwallis,  determining,  if  attainable,  to  bring 
on  a  decisive  engagement  between  his  own  and  the 
continental  forces.  With  the  avowed  purpose  of 
forcing  Washington  from  his  position,  and  driving 
him  beyond  the  mountains,  he  marched  out  of  Phila 
delphia,  on  the  evening  of  the  4th  of  December,  at 
the  head  of  twelve  thousand  men,  and  entrenched 
himself  upon  a  range  of  hills  lying  about  three  miles 
from  the  American  encampment  at  Whitemarsh.  The 
two  armies  were  about  equal  in  number,  and  Wash 
ington  determined  to  await  the  assault,  without  giv 
ing  the  enemy  any  advantage,  by  acting  upon  the 
defensive.  From  this  purpose  Sir  William  Howe 
craftily  endeavored  to  seduce  him,  but  in  vain.  Seve 
ral  days  were  spent  in  slight  skirmishes,  in  all  of 
which  Lafayette  signally  distinguished  himself,  but  in 
none  of  them  could  the  British  general  decoy  from 
his  position  his  wary  foe.  Not  daring  to  attack  him 
in  his  camp,  and  unable,  by  all  his  manoeuvres,  to 
draw  him  from  it,  Howe  marched  back  to  Phila 
delphia  without  having  effected  a  battle  ;  thus  giving, 
though  unwillingly,  "  the  highest  testimony  of  the 
respect  which  he  felt  for  the  talents  of  his  adver- 


58  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

sary,    and    the    courage   of    the    troops    he    was    to 
encounter." 

Soon  after,  Washington  broke  up  his  encampment, 
and  Lafayette  accompanied  the  army  into  winter 
quarters  at  Valley  Forge.  The  details  of  this  terrible 
winter  are  familiar  to  every  reader  of  Revolutionary 
history.  The  undaunted  bravery  of  a  soldiery  whose 
naked  feet  tracked  with  blood  the  frozen  ground,  in 
their  march  from  Whitemarsh  to  Valley  Forge,  is  cal 
culated  to  touch  a  chord  of  admiration  in  a  tyrant's 
breast.  Lafayette,  himself,  thus  describes  the  condition 
of  the  army  after  it  had  taken  up  its  winter  quarters: 
"  The  unfortunate  soldiers  were  in  want  of  every 
thing; — they  had  neither  coats,  hats,  shirts,  nor  shoes; — 
their  feet  and  legs  froze  until  they  became  black,  and 
it  was  often  necessary  to  amputate  them.  From  want 
of  money  they  could  neither  obtain  provisions  nor  any 
means  of  transport.  The  Colonels  were  often  reduced 
to  two  rations  and  sometimes  to  one.  The  army  fre 
quently  remained  whole  days  without  provisions,  and 
the  patient  endurance  of  both  soldiers  and  officers  was 
a  miracle,  which  each  moment  served  to  renew.  But 
the  sight  of  their  misery  prevented  new  engage 
ments; — it  was  almost  impossible  to  levy  recruits  ; — 
it  was  easy  to  desert  into  the  interior  of  the  country. 
The  sacred  fires  of  liberty  were  riot  extinguished, 
it  is  true,  and  the  majority  of  the  citizens  detested 
British  tyranny;  but  the  triumph  of  the  North* 


*  Gates  defeat  of  Burgoyne. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  59 

and  the  tranquillity  of  the  South,  had  lulled  to  sleep 
two-thirds  of  the  continent."  In  all  these  trials,  La 
fayette  was  himself  uncomplaining.  He  sympathized 
with  the  soldiers,  and  cheered  the  officers,  both  by 
word  and  example.  "He  adopted  in  every  respect 
the  American  dress,  habits  and  food.  He  wished  to  be 
more  simple,  frugal,  and  austere,  than  the  Americans 
themselves.  Brought  up  in  the  lap  of  luxury,  he  sud 
denly  changed  his  whole  manner  of  living,  and  his  con 
stitution  bent  itself  to  privations  as  well  as  to  fatigue." 
The  British  officers  in  their  luxurious  quarters  at  Phila 
delphia  laughed  at  the  privations  of  the  " rebels"  but 
even  under  this  stern  discipline,  there  was  strengthen 
ing  a  spirit  which  could  not  be  subdued.  Through  the 
rigors  of  that  awful  winter,  the  fires  of  patriotism 
burned  with  steady  flame;  and  amid  the  tempests  that 
howled  across  the  snow-clad  plains  of  Valley  Forge, 
the  tree  of  liberty  grew,  nourished,  it  is  true,  with 
blood  and  tears.  It  was  a  dark  day,  indeed,  but  there 
was  a  light  in  every  heart  among  those  ill-clad  soldiers, 
which  the  midnight  of  adversity  could  not  shroud. 

From  Valley  Forge  the  Marquis  writes  to  his  father- 
in-law  the  Duke  d'Ayen.  in  France.  His  letter  is  da 
ted  December  16th,  1777,  and  we  extract  from  it  the 
following  interesting  passages  : 

"  The  loss  of  Philadelphia  is  far  from  being  so  impor 
tant  as  it  is  conceived  to  be  in  Europe.  If  the  differ 
ence  of  circumstances,  of  countries,  and  of  proportions 
between  the  two  armies,  were  not  duly  considered, 
the  success  of  General  Gates  would  appear  surprising 
when  compared  with  the  events  which  have  occurred 


60  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

with  us,  —  taking  into  account  the  superiority  of  Ge 
neral  Washington  over  General  Gates.  Our  General 
is  a  man  formed,  in  truth,  for  this  revolution,  which 
could  not  have  been  accomplished  without  him.  I  see 
him  more  intimately  than  any  other  man,  and  1  see 
that  he  is  worthy  of  the  adoration  of  his  country.  His 
tender  friendship  for  me,  and  his  complete  confidence 
in  me,  relating  to  all  political  and  military  subjects, 
great  as  well  as  small,  enable  me  to  judge  of  all  the 
interests  he  has  to  conciliate,  and  all  the  difficulties  he 
has  to  conquer.  I  admire  each  day  more  fully  the  ex 
cellence  of  his  character  and  the  kindness  of  his  heart. 
Some  foreigners  are  displeased  at  not  having  been  em 
ployed —  although  it  did  not  depend  on  him  to  employ 
them  —  others,  whose  ambitious  projects  he  would  not 
serve,  and  some  intriguing,  jealous  men,  have  endea 
vored  to  injure  his  reputation ;  but  his  name  will  be 
revered  in  every  age  by  all  true  lovers  of  liberty  and 
humanity.  Although  I  may  appear  to  be  eulogizing 
my  friend,  I  believe  that  the  part  he  makes  rne  act, 
gives  me  the  right  of  avowing  publicly  how  much  I 
admire  and  respect  him. 

"  America  is  most  impatiently  expecting  us  to 
declare  for  her,  and  France  will,  one  day,  I  hope, 
determine  to  humble  the  pride  of  England.  This  hope, 
and  the  measures  which  America  appears  determined 
to  pursue,  give  me  great  hopes  for  the  glorious  esta 
blishment  of  her  independence.  We  are  not,  I  con 
fess,  as  strong  as  I  expected,  but  we  are  strong  enough 
to  fight,  and  we  shall  do  so,  I  trust,  with  some  degree 
of  success.  With  the  assistance  of  France,  we  shall 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  61 

gain  with  costs  the  cause  that  I  cherish,  because  it  is 
the  cause  of  justice;  because  it  honors  humanity;  be 
cause  it  is  important  to  my  country,  and  because  my 
American  friends  and  myself  are  deeply  engaged  in  it. 
The  approaching  campaign  will  be  an  interesting  one. 
It  is  said  that  the  English  are  sending  us  some  Hano 
verians;  some  time  ago  they  threatened  us  with  what 
was  far  worse,  the  arrival  of  some  Russians.  A  slight 
menace  from  France  would  lessen  the  number  of  these 
reinforcements.  The  more  I  see  of  the  English,  the 
more  thoroughly  convinced  I  am,  that  it  is  necessary 
to  speak  to  them  in  a  loud  tone. 

"  After  having  wearied  you  with  public  affairs,  you 
must  not  expect  to  escape  without  being  wearied  also 
with  my  private  affairs.  It  is  impossible  to  be  more 
agreeably  situated  in  a  foreign  country  than  I  am.  I 
have  only  feelings  of  pleasure  to  express,  and  I  have 
each  day  more  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  the  conduct 
of  Congress  towards  me;  although  my  military  occupa 
tions  have  allowed  me  to  become  personally  acquainted 
with  but  few  of  its  members.  Those  I  do  know,  have 
especially  loaded  me  with  marks  of  kindness  and  atten 
tion.  The  new  President,  Mr.  Laurens,  one  of  the 
most  respectable  men  of  America,  is  my  particular 
friend.  As  to  the  army,  I  have  had  the  happiness  of 
obtaining  the  friendship  of  every  individual;  not  one 
opportunity  is  lost  of  giving  me  proofs  of  it.  I  passed 
the  whole  summer  without  accepting  a  division,  which 
you  know,  had  been  my  previous  intention;  I  passed 
all  that  time  at  General  Washington's  house,  where  I 
felt  as  if  I  were  with  a  friend  of  twenty  years'  stam) 


62  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ing.  Since  my  return  from  Jersey,  he  has  desired  me 
to  choose  among  several  brigades,  the  division  which 
may  please  me  best.  I  have  chosen  one  entirely  corn- 
posed  of  Virginians.  It  is  weak  in  point  of  numbers, 
at  present,  just  in  proportion,  however,  to  the  weak 
ness  of  the  whole  army,  and  almost  in  a  state  of 
nakedness,  but  I  am  promised  cloth  of  which  I  shall 
make  clothes  and  recruits,  of  which  soldiers  must  be 
made,  about  the  same  period; —  but.  unfortunately,  the 
latter  is  the  more  difficult  task,  even  for  more  skillful 
men  than  I.  The  task  I  am  performing  here,  if  I 
had  acquired  sufficient  experience  to  perform  it  well, 
would  improve  exceedingly  my  future  knowledge. 
The  Major-General  replaces  the  Lieutenant-General 
and  the  Field  Marshal  in  their  most  important  func 
tions,  and  I  should  have  the  power  of  employing  to 
advantage  both  my  talents  and  experience,  if  Provi 
dence  and  my  extreme  youth  allowed  me  to  boast  of 
possessing  either.  I  read,  I  study,  I  examine,  I  listen, 
I  reflect,  and  the  result  of  all  is,  the  endeavor  at  form 
ing  an  opinion,  into  which  I  infuse  as  much  common 
sense  as  possible.  I  will  not  talk  much  for  fear  of  say 
ing  foolish  things;  I  will  still  less  risk  acting  much  for 
fear  of  doing  foolish  things;  for  I  am  not  disposed  to 
abuse  the  confidence  which  the  Americans  have  so 
kindly  placed  in  me.  Such  is  the  plan  of  conduct 
which  I  have  followed  until  now,  and  wrhich  I  shall 
continue  to  follow;  but  when  some  ideas  occur  to  me, 
which  I  believe  may  become  useful  when  properly 
rectified,  I  hasten  to  impart  them  to  a  great  judge,  who 
is  good  enough  to  say  he  is  pleased  with  them.  On 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  63 

the  other  hand,  when  my  heart  tells  me  that  a  fa 
vorable  opportunity  offers.  I  cannot  refuse  myself  the 
pleasure  of  participating  in  the  peril,  but  I  do  not 
think  that  the  vanity  of  success  ought  to  make  us 
risk  the  safety  of  an  army,  or  of  any  portion  of  it, 
which  may  not  be  formed  or  calculated  for  the  offen 
sive.  If  1  could  make  an  axiom,  with  the  certainty  of 
not  saying  a  foolish  thing,  I  should  venture  to  add,  that 
whatever  maybe  our  force,  we  must  content  ourselves 
with  a  completely  defensive  plan,  with  the  exception, 
however,  of  the  moment  when  wre  may  be  forced  to 
action,  because  1  think  I  have  perceived  that  the  Eng 
lish  troops  are  more  astonished  by  a  brisk  attack  than 
by  a  firm  resistance. 

"  This  letter  will  be  given  you  by  the  celebrated 
Adams,  whose  name  must  undoubtedly  be  known  to 
you.  As  I  have  never  allowed  myself  to  quit  the 
army,  I  have  never  seen  him.  He  wished  that  I  should 
give  him  letters  of  introduction  to  France,  especially 
to  yourself.  May  I  hope  that  you  will  have  the  good 
ness  to  receive  him  kindly,  and  even  to  give  him  some 
information  respecting  the  present  state  of  affairs.  I 
fancied  you  would  not  be  sorry  to  converse  with  a  man 
whose  merit  is  so  universally  acknowledged.  He  de 
sires  ardently  to  succeed  in  obtaining  the  esteem  of  our 
nation.  One  of  his  friends  himself  told  me  so." 

The  tribute  which  Lafayette  paid  in  this  letter  to 
General  Washington,  came  warmly  from  his  heart. 
The  annals  of  friendship  scarcely  show  an  intenser 
reciprocal  affection,  than  existed  between  these  two 
individuals.  Each  looked  upon  the  other  as  a  friend, 


64  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

and  their  confidence  strengthened  constantly  during 
their  long  intercourse  together.  In  the  present  winter, 
Washington  was  made  the  object  of  a  base  and  jealous 
intrigue,  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  induce  the  Mar 
quis  to  join  the  Cabal.  Horatio  Gates,  intoxicated  by 
his  recent  success  against  Burgoyne,  assisted  by  a  few 
ambitious  partisans,  was  plotting  the  removal  of  Wash 
ington.  The  popularity  of  Gates  was  at  this  moment 
extreme,  and  many  true  friends  of  America  would 
have  hailed  with  applause  his  appointment  as  Com- 
mander-in-Chief.  Plans,  which  were  at  first  only 
talked  of  in  secret  whispers,  at  length  became  loudly 
hinted  even  in  the  National  Legislature.  Some  of  the 
most  prominent  men  in  the  nation,  Patrick  Henry 
among  them,  were  approached,  if  possible,  to  shake 
their  attachment  to  Washington.  Men  of  discretion 
repelled  at  once  the  base  insinuations,  and  Patrick 
Henry  took  occasion  to  make  known  to  him  the  in 
fluences  which  were  operating  against  him.  The  most 
cautious  but  deep  laid  conspiracy  was  made  to  win 
over  Lafayette  to  the  faction.  Promises  of  high  rank 
and  command  were  held  out  to  him,  and  the  strongest 
appeals  made  to  his  love  of  honor  and  renown.  Mo 
tives  drawn  from  his  love  of  liberty  and  interest  in  the 
mighty  struggle  were  also  brought  to  bear  upon  him. 
The  superiority  of  Gates  to  Washington  as  a  military 
leader,  was  greatly  enlarged  upon  in  his  presence,  but 
these  only  strengthened  the  love  with  which  the  soul 
of  Lafayette  was  bound  to  Washington.  In  a  letter 
dated  December  30th,  1777,  he  thus  communicates  his 
feelings  to  him: 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  65 

"  MY  DEAR  GENEIIAL, —  I  went  yesterday  morning 
to  head-quarters,  with  an  intention  of  speaking  to 
your  excellency,  but  you  were  too  busy,  and  I  shall 
lay  down  in  this  letter  what  I  wished  to  say. 

"  I  don't  need  to  tell  you  that  I  am  sorry  for  all 
that  has  happened  for  some  time  past.  It  is  a  neces 
sary  dependence  of  my  most  tender  and  respectful 
friendship  for  you,  which  affection  is  as  true  and 
candid  as  the  other  sentiments  of  my  heart,  and 
much  stronger  than  so  new  an  acquaintance  seems 
to  admit  ;  but  another  reason  to  be  concerned  in 
the  present  circumstances  is  the  result  of  my  ar 
dent  and  perhaps  enthusiastic  wishes  for  the  happi 
ness  and  liberty  of  this  country.  I  see  plainly  that 
America  can  defend  herself  if  proper  measures  are 
taken,  and  now  I  begin  to  fear  lest  she  should  be 
lost  by  herself  and  her  own  sons. 

"  When  I  was  in  Europe,  I  thought  that  here 
almost  every  man  was  a  lover  of  liberty,  and  would 
rather  die  free  than  live  a  slave.  You  can  conceive 
of  my  astonishment  when  I  saw  that  toryism  was  as 
openly  professed  as  whiggism  itself ;  however,  at 
that  time  I  believed  that  all  good  Americans  were 
united  together  —  that  the  confidence  of  Congress  in 
you  was  unbounded.  Then  I  entertained  the  certi 
tude  that  America  would  be  independent  in  case  she 
should  not  lose  you.  Take  away  for  an  instant  that 
modest  diffidence  of  yourself,  (which,  pardon  my 
freedom,  my  dear  General,  is  sometimes  too  great, 
and  I  wish  you  could  know  as  well  as  myself  what 
difference  there  is  between  you  and  any  other  man,) 


66  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

you  would  see  very  plainly  that,  if  you  were  lost  for 
America,  there  is  nobody  who  could  keep  the  army 
and  the  revolution  six  months.  There  are  open  dis 
sensions  in  Congress  ;  parties  who  hate  one  another 
as  much  as  the  common  enemy  ;  stupid  men,  who, 
without  knowing  a  single  word  about  war,  undertake 
to  judge  you,  to  make  ridiculous  comparisons  ;  they 
are  infatuated  with  Gates,  without  thinking  of  the 
different  circumstances,  and  believe  that  attacking  is 
the  only  thing  necessary  to  conquer.  These  ideas 
are  entertained  in  their  minds  by  some  jealous  men, 
and  perhaps  secret  friends  to  the  British  Government, 
who  want  to  push  you,  in  a  moment  of  ill  humor, 
to  some  rash  enterprise  upon  the  lines,  or  against  a 
much  stronger  army.  I  should  not  take  the  liberty 
of  mentioning  these  particulars,  if  I  had  not  received 
a  letter  about  this  matter  from  a  young  good-natured 
gentleman  at  York,  whom  Conway  has  ruined  by 
his  cunning,  but  who  entertains  the  greatest  respect 
for  you."  Lafayette  then  goes  on  to  recount  the 
efforts  which  had  been  made  to  win  himself  away 
from  Washington,  and  closes  his  letter  with  earnest 
assurances  of  "  the  most  tender  and  profound  re 
spect,"  with  which  he  still  felt  proud  to  regard  him. 
The  next  day,  Washington  replied  to  this  letter, 
thanking  Lafayette  for  the  "  fresh  proof  of  friendship 
and  attachment  which  it  gave  him,"  and  giving  his 
own  calm  opinion  about  the  plot  concerning  him. 
In  conclusion,  this  illustrious  man  writes: — "But  we 
must  not,  in  so  great  a  contest,  expect  to  meet  no 
thing  but  sunshine.  I  have  no  doubt  that  every 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  67 

thing  happens  for  the  best,  that  we  shall  triumph 
over  all  our  misfortunes,  and,  in  the  end,  be  happy  ; — 
when,  my  dear  Marquis,  if  you  will  give  me  your 
company  in  Virginia,  we  will  laugh  at  our  past  diffi 
culties  and  the  folly  of  others  ;  and  I  will  endeavor, 
by  every  civility  in  my  power,  to  show  you  how 
much,  and  how  sincerely,  I  am  your  affectionate  and 
obedient  servant." 

Notwithstanding  the  Cabal  was  destined  to  prove 
ingloriously  fruitless,  it  nevertheless  gave  Washington 
great  annoyance. 

Conway,  his  bitter  enemy  and  next  to  Gates  in  the 
guilty  plot,  had  been  appointed  Inspector-General  of 
the  Army,  a  promotion  so  offensive  to  the  officers,  that 
it  required  skillful  management  of  the  Commander  to 
restrain  them  from  open  mutiny.  A  new  Board  of 
War,  had  been  instituted  by  Congress,  designed  to  have 
a  general  control  of  military  affairs.  Of  this  Board 
Gates  was  made  President,  and  his  influence  was 
accordingly  given  for  measures  which  he  knew  were 
contrary  to  the  views  of  Washington.  This  was  done 
with  a  view  of  inducing  him  to  retire  in  disgust  from 
the  army.  Thinking  to  promote  the  design  by  sepa 
rating  from  him  so  faithful  and  efficient  a  friend  as 
Lafayette,  and  having  been  foiled  hitherto,  the  conspi 
rators  brought  forward  a  new  plan.  On  the  22nd  of 
January,  1778,  it  was  resolved  by  Congress  ;  —  "  That 
an  irruption  be  made  into  Canada,  and  that  the  Board 
of  War  be  authorized  to  take  every  necessary  measure 
for  the  execution  of  the  business,  under  such  general 
officers  as  Congress  shall  appoint."  On  the  23d  of 


68  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

January,  Lafayette  was  appointed  to  the  command 
of  this  expedition.  It  was  said  that  the  character  of 
Lafayette  as  a  Frenchman  of  illustrious  rank,  rendered 
him  peculiarly  qualified  for  the  conquest  of  a  province 
recently  attached  to  the  French  empire.  But  it  was 
also  reported  that,  "the  authors  of  this  scheme  had  it 
principally  in  view,  by  separating  Lafayette  from 
Washington  to  deprive  the  Commander-in-Chief,  of  the 
defense  of  so  trustworthy  a  friend."  Washington  was 
not  consulted  at  all  respecting  this  movement.  The 
first  intimation  which  he  received,  was  given  in  a  letter 
from  General  Gates  of  the  24th  of  January,  enclosing 
one  of  the  same  date  to  Lafayette,  requiring  his 
attendance  on  Congress  to  receive  his  instructions. 
Without  noticing  at  all  the  want  of  confidence  in  him 
self,  manifested  by  the  action  of  the  Board,  Washing 
ton  calmly  handed  the  commission  to  Lafayette,  and 
advised  him  to  accept  the  appointment,  which  was  an 
honorable  one  for  the  Marquis;  and,  as  it  \vas  urged 
upon  him,  he  consented,  and  immediately  proceeded  to 
the  capital.  The  troops  were  to  be  furnished  by  the 
northern  states,  and  Lafayette  was  instructed  by  the 
Board  of  War  to  proceed  as  soon  as  possible  to 
Albany,  where  they  were  to  rendezvous.  He  was 
further  counselled,  "  that,  considering  the  length  of  the 
route  into  that  country  in  an  inclement  season,  he 
should  be  particularly  attentive  to  have  his  men  well 
clothed,  and  so  supplied  with  provisions,  as  effectually 
to  guard  against  any  misfortune  which  might  happen 
for  want  of  these  necessary  articles  ;  —  and,  in  case 
he  should  fail  in  obtaining  the  forces  which  he  might 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  69 

judge  competent,  or  supplies  sufficient  for  them,  that 
he  should  carefully  attend  to  those  contingencies,  and 
regulate  his  conduct  according  to  the  probability  of 
success,  without  exposing  his  troops  to  any  very  great, 
or  very  apparent  hazard."  With  these  vague  instruc 
tions  Lafayette  departed  to  join  his  force  in  Albany, 
taking  with  him  the  Baron  De  Kalb  as  second  in  com 
mand.  General  Conway,*  who  was  also  to  accom 
pany  him,  proceeded  before  him,  and  waited  his  arrival 
at  Albany.  The  account  of  this  campaign  we  cannot 
make  more  interesting  than  by  letting  the  Marquis 
relate  it,  chiefly  in  his  own  words.  On  his  route  he 
writes  to  General  Washington  as  follows  : 

"  HEMMINGTOWN,  February  9th,  1778 
"  DEAR  GENERAL,  —  I  cannot  let  go  my  guide  with 
out  taking  this  opportunity  of  writing   to   your  excel 
lency,  though  I  have  not  yet  public  business  to  speak 
of.     I  go  on  very  slowly  ;  —  sometimes  drenched  in 
rain,  and  sometimes  covered  by  snow,  and  not  enter 


*  As  General  Conway  was  one  of  the  chief  intriguers  against  Wash 
ington,  and  as  we  do  not  propose  again  to  refer  to  this  infamous 
transaction,  we  will  here  introduce  the  acknowledgement  which  lie 
afterwards  voluntarily  made  to  Washington.  Having  been  wounded  in 
a  duel  with  General  Cadwallader,  and  thinking  his  end  approaching,  he 
addressed  the  following  letter  to  the  man  whom  he  had  attempted 
grossly  to  injure  : 

"PHILADELPHIA,  July  23d,  1778. 

"Sin,  —  I  find  myself  just  able  to  hold  the  pen  during  a  few  minutes, 
and  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing  my  sincere  grief  for  having 
done,  written,  or  said  anything  disagreeable  to  your  excellency.  My 
career  will  soon  be  over,  therefore,  justice  and  truth  prompt  me  to 
declare  my  last  sentiments.  You  are,  in  my  eyes,  the  great  and  good 
man.  May  you  long  enjoy  the  love,  veneration  and  esteem  of  these 
states,  whose  liberties  you  have  asserted  by  your  virtues. 
"  I  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  Sir, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"  PHS.  CONWAY.'* 


70  'LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

taining  many  handsome  thoughts  about  the  projected 
incursion  into  Canada  ;  if  success  were  to  be  had  it 
would  surprise  me  in  a  most  agreeable  manner,  by  the 
very  reason  that  I  don't  expect  any  shining  ones. 
Lake  Champlain  is  too  cold  for  producing  the  least  bit 
of  laurel,  and  if  I  am  not  starved  I  shall  be  as  proud  as 
if  I  had  gained  three  battles. 

"  Mr.  Duer  had  given  to  me  a  rendezvous  at  a 
tavern,  but  nobody  was  to  be  found  there.  I  fancy 
that  he  will  be  with  Mr.  Conway  sooner  than  he  has 
told  me  ;  —  they  will  perhaps  conquer  Canada  before 
my  arrival,  and  I  expect  to  meet  them  at  the  Governor's 
house  in  Quebec. 

"  Could  I  believe  for  one  single  instant,  that  this 
pompous  command  of  a  northern  army  will  let  your 
excellency  forget  a  little  us  absent  friends,  then  I  would 
send  the  project  to  the  place  it  comes  from.  But  I 
dare  hope  that  you  will  remember  me  sometimes.  I 
wish  you  very  heartily  the  greatest  public  and  private 
happiness  and  success.  It  is  a  very  melancholy  idea 
for  me  that  I  cannot  follow  your  fortunes  as  near  your 
person  as  I  could  wish  ;  but  my  heart  will  take,  very 
sincerely,  its  part  of  every  thing  which  can  happen  to 
you,  and  I  am  already  thinking  of  the  agreeable 
moment  when  I  may  come  down  to  assure  your  excel 
lency  of  the  most  tender  affection  and  highest  respect." 
Having  arrived  at  Albany,  he  wrote  again  to  Wash 
ington  : 

"  ALBANY,  February  19th,  1778. 

"  DEAR  GENERAL,  —  Why  am  I  so  far  from  you, 
and  what  business  had  the  Board  of  War  to  hurry  me 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE. 


71 


through  the  ice  and  snow,  without  knowing  what  I 
should  do.  neither  what  they  were  going  to  do  them 
selves  1  You  have  thought,  perhaps,  that  their  project 
would  be  attended  with  some  difficulty,  that  some 
means  had  been  neglected,  that  I  could  not  obtain  all 
the  success  and  that  immensity  of  laurels  which  they 
had  promised  me  ;  —  but  I  defy  your  excellency  to 
conceive  any  idea  of  what  I  have  seen  since  I  left 
the  place  where  I  was  quiet  and  near  my  friends,  to 
run  myself  through  all  the  blunders  of  madness  or 
treachery,  —  God  knows  what,  —  But  let  me  begin  the 
journal  of  my  fine  and  glorious  campaign. 

"  According  to  Lord  Stirling's  advice,  I- went  by  Co- 
rich  Ferry,  to  Ringo's  tavern,  where  Mr.  Duer  had 
given  me  a  rendezvous,  but  there  no  Duer  was  to  be 
found,  nor  did  they  ever  hear  from  him.  From  thence 
I  proceeded  by  the  state  of  New  York  and  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  the  friends  of  America  as  warm  in 
their  love  for  the  Commander-in-Chief  as  his  best 
friend  could  wish.  I  spoke  to  Governor  Clinton,  and 
was  much  satisfied  with  that  gentleman.  At  length  I 
reached  Albany  on  the  17th,  though  I  was  not  expected 
before  the  25th.  General  Conway  had  been  here  only 
three  days  before  me,  and  I  must  confess  I  found  him 
very  active,  and  looking  as  if  he  had  good  intentions; — • 
but  we  know  a  great  deal  upon  that  subject.  His  first 
word  has  been,  that  the  expedition  is  quite  impossible. 
I  was  at  first  very  diffident  of  this  report,  but  I  have 
found  that  he  was  right.  Such  is,  at  least,  the  idea  I 
can  form  of  this  ill-concerted  operation  within  these 
two  days. 


72  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

"General  Schuyler,  General  Lincoln,  and  General 
Arnold  had  written  before  my  arrival,  to  General  Con- 
way,  in  the  most  expressive  terms,  that,  in  our  present 
circumstances,  there  was  no  possibility  to  begin,  now, 
an  enterprise  into  Canada.  Hay,  Deputy  Quarter 
Master  General;  Cuyler,  Deputy  Commissary  General; 
Mearsin,  Deputy  Clothier  General,  in  what  they  call 
the  northern  department,  are  entirely  of  the  same  opin 
ion.  Colonel  Hazen,  who  has  been  appointed  to  a 
place  which  interferes  with  the  three  others  above 
mentioned,  was  the  most  desirous  of  going  there. 
The  reasons  of  such  an  order  I  think  I  may  attribute 
to  other  motives.  The  same  Hazen  confesses  we  are 
not  strong  enough  to  think  of  the  expedition  in  this 
moment.  As  to  the  troops,  they  are  disgusted  and  (if 
you  except  some  of  Hazen's  Canadians)  reluctant,  to 
the  utmost  degree  to  begin  a  winter  incursion  into  so 
cold  a  country.  I  have  consulted  every  body  and 
every  body  answers  me  that  it  would  be  madness  to 
undertake  this  operation. 

"  I  have  been  deceived  by  the  Board  of  War.  They 
have,  by  the  strongest  expressions,  promised  to  me  one 
thousand,  and — what  is  more  to  be  depended  upon  — 
they  have  assured  to  me  in  writing,  two  thousand  and 
Jive  hundred  combatants  at  a  low  estimate.  Now,  sir, 
I  do  not  believe  I  can  find  in  all  twelve  hundred  fit  for 
duty,  and  most  part  of  those  very  men  are  naked, 
even  for  a  summer's  campaign.  I  was  to  find  General 
Stark  with  a  large  body,  and  indeed  General  Gates 
had  told  me,  '  General  Stark  will  have  burnt  the  Jleet 
before  your  arrival.'  Well,  the  first  letter  I  receive  in 


MAKQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  73 

Albany  is  from  General  Stark,  who  wishes  to  know  what 
number  of  men,  from  whence,  for  what  time,  for  what 
rendezvous,  I  wish  him  to  raise.  Colonel  Biveld  who 
was  to  rise  too,  would  have  done  something  had  he 
received  money.  One  asks  what  encouragement  his  peo 
ple  wrill  have,  the  other  has  no  clothes;  not  one  of 
them  has  received  a  dollar  of  what  was  due  them.  I 
have  applied  to  every  body,  I  have  begged  at  every 
door  I  could  these  two  days,  and  I  see  that  I  could  do 
some  thing  were  the  expedition  to  be  begun  in  five 
weeks.  But  you  know  that  we  have  not  an  hour  to 
lose,  and  indeed  it  is  now  rather  too  late  had  we  every 
thing  in  readiness. 

"  There  is  a  spirit  of  dissatisfaction  prevailing 
among  the  soldiers,  and  even  the  officers,  which  is 
owing  to  their  not  being  paid  for  some  time  since. 
This  department  is  much  indebted,  and  as  near  as  I 
can  ascertain,  for  so  short  a  time,  I  have  already  dis 
covered  near  eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  due  to 
the  continental  troops,  some  militia,  the  quarter  mas 
ter's  department,  &c.,  &c.,  &c.  It  was  with  four  hun 
dred  thousand  dollars,  only  the  half  of  which  is  arrived 
to  day,  that  I  was  to  undertake  the  operation,  and 
satisfy  the  men  under  my  commands.  I  send  to  Con 
gress  the  account  of  those  debts.  Some  clothes,  by 
Colonel  Hallen's  activity,  are  arrived  from  Boston,  but 
not  enough  by  Air,  and  the  greater  part  is  cut  off. 

"  We  have  had  intelligence  from  a  deserter,  who 
makes  the  enemy  stronger  than  I  thought.  There  is 
no  such  thing  as  straw  on  board  the  vessels  to  burn 
them.  I  have  sent  to  Congress  a  full  account  of  the 


74  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

matter;  I  hope  it  will  open  their  eyes.  What  they 
will  resolve  upon  I  do  not  know,  but  I  think  I  must 
wait  here  for  their  answer.  I  have  enclosed  to  the 
president  copies  of  the  most  important  letters  I  had 
received.  It  would  be  tedious  for  your  excellency, 
were  I  to  undertake  the  minutest  detail  of  every  thing; 
it  will  be  sufficient  to  say  that  the  want  of  men,  clothes, 
money,  and  the  want  of  time,  deprives  me  of  all  hopes 
as  to  this  excursion.  If  it  may  begin  again  in  the 
month  of  June  by  the  east,  I  cannot  venture  to  assure; 
but  for  the  present  moment,  such  is  the  idea  I  conceive 
of  the  famous  incursion,  as  far  as  I  may  be  informed 
in  so  short  a  time. 

"  Your  excellency  may  judge  that  I  am  very  dis 
tressed  by  this  disappointment.  My  being  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  expedition  is  known  through 
the  continent,  it  will  be  soon  known  in  Europe,  as  I 
have  been  desired  by  members  of  Congress  to  write  to 
my  friends;  —  my  being  at  the  head  of  an  army, 
people  will  be  in  great  expectations,  and  what  shal 
I  answer] 

"  ]  am  afraid  it  will  reflect  on  my  reputation,  and  I 
shall  be  laughed  at.  My  fears  upon  that  subject  are 
so  strong,  that  I  would  choose  to  become  again  only  a 
volunteer,  unless  Congress  offers  the  means  of  mend 
ing  this  ugly  business  by  some  glorious  operation;  — 
but  I  am  very  far  from  giving  to  them  the  least  notice 
upon  that  matter.  General  Arnold  seems  very  fond  of 
a  diversion  against  New  York,  and  he  is  too  sick  to 
take  the  field  before  four  or  five  months,  I  should  be 
happy  if  something  were  proposed  to  me  in  that  wray, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  75 

but  I  will  never  ask  nor  even  seem  desirous  of  any 
thing  directly  from  Congress; —  and  as  for  you,  dear 
General,  I  know  very  well  that  you  will  do  every 
thing  to  procure  me  the  only  thing  I  am  ambitious 
of —  glory. 

u  I  think  your  excellency  will  approve  of  my  staying 
here  till  further  orders,  and  of  my  taking  the  liberty  of 
sending  my  dispatches  to  Congress  by  a  very  quick 
occasion,  without  going  through  the  hands  of  my 
General  ;  —  but  I  was  desirous  to  acquaint  them  early 
of  my  disagreeable  and  ridiculous  position."  Four 
days  afterwards  he  writes  as  follows  : 

"  MY  DEAR  GENERAL,  —  I  have  an  opportunity  of 
writing  to  your  excellency,  which  I  will  not  miss  by 
any  means,  even  should  I  be  afraid  of  becoming  tedious 
and  troublesome  ;  but  if  they  have  sent  me  far  from 
you,  I  don't  know  for  what  purpose,  at  least  I  must 
make  some  little  use  of  my  pen,  to  prevent  all  commu 
nication  from  being  cut  off  between  your  excellency 
and  myself.  I  have  written  lately  to  you  my  distress 
ing,  ridiculous,  foolish,  and  indeed  nameless  situation. 
I  am  sent  with  great  noise,  at  the  head  of  an  army, 
for  doing  great  things  ;  —  the  whole  continent,  France 
and  Europe  herself,  and  what  is  the  worst,  the 
British  army,  are  in  great  expectations.  How  far 
they  will  be  deceived,  how  far  we  shall  be  ridic&led, 
you  may  judge  by  the  candid  account  you  have  got 
of  the  state  of  our  affairs. 

;<  There  are  things,  I  dare  say,  in  which  I  am 
deceived —  a  certain  Colonel  is  not  here  for  nothing  ; 

one  other  gentleman  became  very  popular  before  1 
6 


76  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

went  to  this  place  —  Arnold  himself  is  very  fond  of 
him.  Every  part  on  which  I  turn  to  look  I  am  sure  a 
cloud  is  drawn  before  my  eyes  ;  —  but  there  are  points 
I  cannot  be  deceived  upon.  The  want  of  money,  the 
dissatisfaction  among  the  soldiers,  the  disinclination  of 
every  one  (except  the  Canadians  who  mean  to  stay  at 
home)  for  this  expedition,  are  as  conspicuous  as  possi 
ble.  I  am  sure  I  shall  become  very  ridiculous  and 
laughed  at.  My  expedition  will  be  as  famous  as  the 
secret  expedition  against  Rhode  Island.  I  confess,  my 
dear  General,  that  I  find  myself  of  very  quick  feelings 
whenever  my  reputation  and  glory  are  concerned  in 
anything.  It  is  very  hard  indeed  that  such  a  part  of 
my  happiness,  without  which  I  cannot  Jive,  should 
depend  upon  schemes  which  I  never  knew  of  but  when 
there  was  no  time  to  put  them  into  execution.  I 
assure  you,  my  most  dear  and  respected  friend,  that 
I  am  more  unhappy  than  I  ever  was. 

"  My  desire  for  doing  something  was  such,  that  I 
have  thought  of  doing  it  by  surprise  with  a  detach 
ment,  but  this  seems  to  me  rash  and  quite  impossible. 
I  should  be  every  happy  if  you  were  here  to  give  me 
some  advice,  but  1  have  nobody  to  consult  with.  They 
have  sent  to  me  more  than  twenty  French  officers,  but 
I  do  not  know  what  to  do  with  them.  I  beg  you  will 
acquaint  me  with  the  line  of  conduct  you  advise  me  to 
follow  on  every  point.  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  act,  and 
indeed  I  do  not  know  what  I  am  here  for  myself. 
However,  as  being  the  eldest  officer,  (after  General 
Arnold  has  desired  me  to  take  the  command,)  I  think 
it  is  my  duty  to  mind  the  business  of  this  part  of  Ame- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  77 

rica  as  well  as  I  can.  General  Gates  holds  yet  the  title 
and  power  of  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Northern 
Department,  but  as  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  have 
arrived,  I  have  taken  upon  myself  to  pay  the  most 
necessary  part  of  the  debts  we  are  involved  in.  I  am 
about  sending  provisions  to  Fort  Schuyler  ;  —  I  will  go 
see  the  fort.  1  will  try  to  get  some  clothes  for  the 
troops,  to  buy  some  articles  for  the  next  campaign.  I 
have  directed  some  money  to  be  borrowed  upon  my 
credit  to  satisfy  the  troops,  who  are  much  discontented. 
In  all  I  endeavor  to  do  for  the  best,  though  I  have  no 
particular  authority  or  instructions.  I  will  come  as 
near  as  I  can  to  General  Gates'  intentions,  but  I  want 
much  to  get  an  answer  to  my  letters. 

"  I  fancy  (between  us)  that  the  actual  scheme  is  to 
have  me  out  of  this  part  of  the  continent,  and  General 
Conway  in  chief  under  the  immediate  direction  of 
General  Gates.  How  they  will  bring  it  up  I  do  not 
know,  but  you  may  be  sure  something  of  that  kind 
will  appear.  You  are  nearer  than  myself,  and  every 
honest  man  in  Congress  is  your  friend ;  —  therefore, 
you  may  foresee  and  and  prevent,  if  possible,  the  evil, 
a  hundred  times  better  than  I  can.  I  would  only  give 
that  idea  to  your  excellency. 

"  After  having  written  in  Europe  (by  the  desire  of 
the  members  of  Congress)  so  many  fine  things  about 
my  commanding  an  army,  I  shall  be  ashamed  if  nothing 
can  be  done  by  me  in  that  way.  I  am  told  General 
Putnam  is  recalled  ;  but  your  excellency  knows  better 
than  I  do  what  would  be  convenient,  therefore  I  don't 
want  to  mind  these  things  myself. 

"  Will  you  be  so  good  as  to  present  my  respects 


78  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

to  your  lady  1     With  the  most  tender  affection  and 
highest  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c." 

Washington  deeply  sympathized  with  the  Marquis  in 
his  trying  condition,  and  replied  to  these  letters  in 
terms  of  condolence  and  commendation.  He  assured 
him  that  his  character  stood  as  fair  as  it  ever  did,  and 
that  the  prudence  which  he  had  displayed,  and  his 
manifest  wisdom  in  abstaining  from  the  expedition 
under  the  difficulties  by  wrhich  he  was  unexpectedly 
surrounded,  would  brighten  rather  than  tarnish  his 
reputation.  With  the  kindness  of  a  father,  he  assured 
the  Marquis  of  his  undiminished  confidence,  that  the 
most  prompt  to  slander  could  have  nothing  in  his  con 
duct  upon  which  to  found  a  story  of  blame.  His  in 
fluence  was  also  exerted  to  procure  an  order  from  Con 
gress  authorizing  the  abandonment  of  the  Canadian 
enterprise,  and  the  return  of  Layfayette.  On  the 
second  of  March,  the  Board  of  War  were  directed  "  to 
instruct  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  to  suspend,  for  the 
present,  the  intended  irruption  ;  and  at  the  same  time 
inform  him,  that  Congress  entertain  a  high  sense  of  his 
prudence,  activity,  and  zeal  ;  and  that  they  are  fully 
persuaded,  nothing  has,  or  would  have  been  wanting 
on  his  part,  or  on  the  part  of  the  officers  who  accom 
panied  him,  to  give  the  expedition  the  utmost  possible 
effect."  On  the  thirteenth  of  March,  Washington  was 
permitted  to  recall  the  Marquis,  and  in  pursuance  of 
this  order,  he  rejoined  Washington  at  Valley  Forge  ; 
where  self-denial  and  mutual  sympathy  made  their 
attachment  scarcely  less  beautiful  than  that  between 
the  Hebrew  Bard  and  the  young  Prince  of  Israel,  who 
fought  and  suffered  together. 


CHAPTER  III. 

BRIGHTENING  PROSPECTS —  OPENING  OP  THE  CAMPAIGN  OP  1778  —  LAFAYETTS 
AT  BARREN  HILL  — PERILOUS  POSITION  —  BRILLIANT  MAN<EUVRE,  AND  SAFE  RE 
TREAT —  ATTACHMENT  OF  THE  ARMY  —  AFFECTING  INTELLIGENCE  FROM  HOMB 
—DEATH  OF  HIS  DAUGHTER  — LETTER  TO  HIS  WIFE  — EVACUATION  OF  PHILA- 
DELPHIA — BATTLE  OF  MONMOUTH  —  ARRIVAL  OF  COUNT  D' ESTAING  AND 
THE  FRENCH  FLEET  — LAFAYETTE  AT  RHODE  ISLAND —  SULLIVAN  AND  o'Es- 
TAING  —  D' ESTAING  DETERMINES  TO  SAIL  FOR  BOSTON  —  REMONSTRANCE  — 
LAFAYETTE  AND  THE  ADMIRAL  —  REASONS  FOR  THE  MEASURE  —  RETREAT 
FROM  NEWPORT —EFFORTS  OF  LAFAYETTE  — REPAIRS  TO  BOSTON  — AGAIN 
AT  RHODE  ISLAND  —  RETREAT  —  RESOLUTIONS  OP  CONGRESS  —  CORRESPOM. 
DENCE  —  LAFAYETTE  PREPARES  TO  RE-VISIT  FRANCE  —  ACTION  OF  CONGRESS 
—  DEPARTURE. 

THE  campaign  of  1776  had  closed  gloomily  to  the 
friends  of  freedom  ;  and  the  defeated,  yet  not  dis 
heartened  army  took  up  their  winter  quarters  at 
Valley  Forge.  But  while  the  shadows  were  deepen 
ing,  there  was  below  the  horizon  the  on-coming  of 
day. 

The  genius  of  Washington  was  not  slumbering.  In 
the  early  part  of  1778,  he  was  industriously  employed 
in  forming  plans  for  the  next  campaign.  The  regu 
lations  for  the  militia  service  were  re-organized  and 
established  upon  a  firmer  basis  than  before.  A  new 
spirit  of  discipline  was  infused  into  the  regular  force, 
and  both  officers  and  soldiers  found  the  spring  opening 
upon  them  with  new  courage,  and  brighter  expectations 
than  at  any  former  period.  The  influence  of  the  ex 
ample  and  representations  of  Lafayette  upon  France 
was  not  unmarked.  The  French  ministry,  who  had 


80  'LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

always  secretly  favored  the  Revolution,  were  giving 
decided  evidence  of  their  interest  ;  and  at  length,  on 
the  6th  of  February,  the  independence  of  the  United 
States  was  formally  acknowledged  by  that  nation. 
The  treaties  of  amity  and  commerce,  and  of  defensive 
alliance  which  were  entered  into  between  the  Ameri 
can  Commissioners  at  Paris  and  the  Government,  were 
hailed  with  unbounded  joy  throughout  the  land.  The 
star  of  independence,  which  had  trembled  upon  the 
verge  of  gathering  clouds,  shone  brightly  forth,  the 
herald  of  morning  glory. 

Valley  Forge  was  about  twenty  miles  from  Phila 
delphia,  but  the  British,  though  vastly  superior  in  num 
bers,  had  not  attempted  a  general  attack;  confining 
their  operations  to  predatory  excursions  against  the 
inhabitants  of  the  surrounding  country.  Early  in  the 
month  of  May  the  vigilance  of  General  Washington 
discovered  indications  that  they  were  about  to  evacu 
ate  the  city;  and  at  once  took  measures  to  harass 
them  on  their  departure.  Lafayette  was  detached 
with  a  picked  company  of  two  thousand  men,  with 
orders  to  cross  the  Schuylkill,  and  take  up  his  post  as 
an  advance  guard  to  the  army,  where  he  could  be  in 
readiness  to  annoy  if  practicable  the  rear  of  the  en 
emy,  should  they  move  as  expected.  "  You  will  re 
member,"  said  Washington  to  him,  "  that  your  detach 
ment  'is  a  very  valuable  one  and  that  any  accident 
happening  to  it,  would  be  a  severe  blow  to  the  army ; 
you  will  therefore  use  every  precaution  for  its  secu 
rity,  and  to  guard  against  a  surprise."  Lafayette  was 
specially  enjoined  to  avoid  any  permanent  station,  as  it 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  81 

would  facilitate  the  execution  of  designs  which  might 
be  concerted  against  him.  With  these  instructions, 
the  Marquis  crossed  the  river  and  halted,  on  the  18th 
of  May,  at  Barren  Hill,  situated  about  midway  between 
the  encampments  at  Valley  Forge  and  Philadelphia. 

Intelligence  of  this  was  instantly  communicated  to 
Sir  William  Howe.  The  Marquis  had  chosen  his  po 
sition  and  fortified  it  with  great  care,  but  the  British 
General  found  means  to  learn  the  exact  number  of  his 
men  and  immediately  formed  a  finely  devised  mode  of 
surprise.  So  well  laid  was  his  scheme,  and  so  confi 
dent  was  he  of  success,  that  on  the  19th  of  May  he 
invited  a  large  number  of  ladies  to  meet  him  at  a  ban 
quet  on  the  following  day,  promising  that  they  should 
then  be  introduced  to  the  captured  Marquis.  The 
same  night  he  dispatched  General  Grant  with  Sir  Wil 
liam  Erskine  at  the  head  of  five  thousand  select  troops, 
who  were  ordered  to  gain  the  rear  of  Lafayette,  and 
thus  intercept  the  passage  between  his  division  and  the 
main  body  at  Valley  Forge.  By  a  forced  and  circu 
itous  march,  he  reached  his  point  of  destination  a  little 
before  sunrise;  which  was  about  a  mile  from  the  Mar 
quis,  at  a  place  where  the  roads  fork; — the  one  leading 
to  his  camp  and  the  other  to  Matson's  Ford,  over  the 
Schuylkill.  In  the  course  of  the  same  night  Sir  Wil 
liam  Howe  sent  General  Gray  with  another  strong  di 
vision,  which  went  up  the  Schuylkill,  to  a  ford  of  the 
river,  directly  in  front  of  the  right  flank  of  Lafayette. 
The  main  column  led  on  by  Sir  William  Howe,  in 
person,  then  marched  out  of  the  city  and  took  the  di 
rect  road  along  the  river  to  Barren  Hill.  So  secret 


82  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

were  the  operations  of  the  British  General,  that  they 
entirely  escaped  the  vigilance  of  Lafayette,  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  20th,  he  found  himself  completely 
hemmed  in  by  a  powerful  army;  —  his  retreat  cut 
off, — his  advance  opposed  by  a  force  far  stronger  than 
his  own,  —  and  scarcely  the  faintest  hope  of  extricating 
himself  from  the  difficulties  with  which  he  was  sur 
rounded.  He  had  taken  every  precaution  to  fortify 
himself  against  surprise,  and  could  hardly  credit  his 
senses  when  he  heard  that  the  militia  which  he  had 
stationed  to  guard  one  of  the  passes,  through  which 
General  Gray  marched,  had  left  it  unprotected,  by 
changing  their  post  during  the  night  without  his  order 
or  knowledge. 

The  Marquis  received  the  tidings  of  his  perilous 
situation,  with  unshaken  fortitude.  A  wild  huzza  broke 
out,  all  along  the  lines,  as  they  witnessed  the  entire 
calmness  with  which  he  began  to  plot  their  deliverance 
from  the  perils  out  of  which,  apparently,  they  could  be 
rescued  by  no  human  power.  The  three  divisions  of 
the  British,  were  now  moving  simultaneously  against 
him,  able  to  crush  him  at  the  first  onset.  Still,  he  did 
not  for  a  moment  betray  an  emotion  of  dismay.  A 
retreat  was  soon  seen  to  be  the  only  possible  escape, 
and  he  accordingly  resolved  to  re-cross  the  river  by 
Matson's  Ford,  though  he  knew  that  Grant  with  five 
thousand  men  had  possession  of  the  heights,  command 
ing  the  road.  It  was  at  this  crisis  that  he  executed 
one  of  those  brilliant  manoeuvres,  for  which  he  was 
remarkable.  With  the  head  of  his  column,  he  ad 
vanced  boldly  toward  Grant  as  if  to  attack  him,  while 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  83 

the  rear,  which  was  partially  concealed  by  the  woods, 
filed  off  rapidly  towards  the  Schuylkill.  Grant,  natu 
rally  supposing  that  the  whole  strength  of  Lafayette 
was  coming  against  him,  instantly  halted  and  prepared 
for  battle.  The  delay  was  just  what  the  hunted  Mar 
quis  desired  —  and  with  unbounded  joy  he  witnessed 
the  hopeful  result  of  his  experiment.  Preserving  the 
most  perfect  order,  he  saw  the  rear  of  his  brave  regi 
ments,  gaining  the  point  between  the  enemys'  divi 
sion  and  the  stream  ;  and  before  Grant  could  prevent, 
or  even  fully  comprehended  the  purpose,  his  apparently 
advancing  column  fell  gradually  back,  and  joined  the 
retreating  ranks.  The  whole  now  reached  Matson's 
ford  in  safety  ;  though  it  must  be  confessed,  that  so 
gross  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  British  General, 
can  scarcely  be  accounted  for,  except  as  an  interposi 
tion  of  Providence.  A  corps  of  cavalry  had  taken 
possession  of  a  hill,  from  whose  elevation  Lafayette 
was  first  discovered  on  his  retreat  through  the  low 
woody  grounds  which  bordered  the  river.  Even  at 
this  time,  Grant  might  have  intercepted  the  passage  to 
the  ford,  but  supposing  that  these  were  merely  a  de 
tachment  and  that  the  main  body  still  lay  at  Barren 
Hill,  he  persisted  in  his  resolution  of  marching  thither 
notwithstanding  he  was  strongly  opposed  by  Sir  Wil 
liam  Erskine,  and  other  Generals  of  his  staff.  Barren 
Hill  was  concealed  from  their  view  by  intervening 
trees,  and  not  till  they  had  fully  arrived  upon  the 
ground,  did  they  find  that  it  was  abandoned.  The  bird 
had  escaped,  notwithstanding  the  net  had  been  so  care 
fully  set,  and  so  warily  sprung. 


84  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Still  it  might  not  be  too  late.  A  hot  pursuit  was 
instantly  ordered  by  the  foiled  Commander,  burning 
with  desire  to  avert  the  dishonor  which  he  saw  would 
fall  upon  his  name,  if  his  enemy  were  allowed  thus 
easily  to  elude  his  grasp.  But  before  he  reached 
Matson's  Ford,  Lafayette  had  crossed  safely  the  river, 
and  made  a  stand  upon  the  heights  on  the  opposite 
side.  So  advantageous  was  his  position,  that  General 
Grant  did  not  venture  to  meet  him  ;  and  overwhelmed 
with  mortification,  he  wheeled  to  join  the  other  forces, 
and  return  to  head  quarters,  having  accomplished 
nothing.  "  Finding  the  bird  flown,"  says  Chastelleux, 
"  the  English  returned  to  Philadelphia,  spent  with 
fatigue  and  ashamed  of  having  done  nothing.  The 
ladies  did  not  see  M.  de  Lafayette,  and  General  Howe 
himself  arrived  too  late  for  supper." 

The  joy  with  which  Lafayette  was  greeted  at  Valley 
Forge  after  his  escape,  knew  no  bounds.  General 
Washington  embraced  him,  and  complimented  him  in 
the  highest  terms.  His  danger  had  been  seen  with 
glasses,  and  he  had  been  watched  with  intense  interest, 
till  it  wTas  fully  known  that  he  had  passed  the  Ford. 
Loud  acclamations  saluted  him,  as  his  gallant  troops, 
with  inconsiderable  loss,  filed  into  the  camp  ;  and  from 
that  moment,  his  influence  over  the  men  he  commanded 
became  unlimited.  He  lived  in  their  hearts,  and  few 
officers  in  the  American  army  claimed  a  profounder 
admiration  or  warmer  regard. 

Soon  after  this  exploit  Lafayette  received  tidings  of 
the  death  of  Henriette,  his  eldest,  and  at  the  time  he 
left  France,  his  only  daughter.  The  warm  emotions 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  85 

of  affection,  which  a  soldier's  life  could  not  chill,  are 
thus  expressed  in  an  extract  from  a  letter  to  his  wife, 
dated  June  16th,  1778.  .  .  "  What  a  dreadful  thing 
is  absence !  I  never  experienced  before  all  the  horrors 
of  separation.  My  own  deep  sorrow  is  aggravated 
by  the  feeling  that  I  am  not  able' to  share  and  sympa 
thize  in  your  anguish.  The  length  of  time  that  had 
elapsed  before  I  heard  of  this  event  had  also  increased 
my  misery.  Consider,  my  love,  what  a  dreadful  thing 
it  must  be  to  weep  for  what  I  have  lost,  and  tremble  for 
what  remains.  The  distance  between  Europe  and 
America  appears  to  me  more  enormous  than  ever. 
The  loss  of  our  poor  child  is  almost  constantly  in  my 
thoughts.  This  sad  news  followed  almost  immediately 
that  of  the  treaty,  and  while  my  heart  was  torn  by 
grief,  I  was  obliged  to  receive  and  take  part  in  ex 
pressions  of  public  joy. 

"  If  the  unfortunate  news  had  reached  me  sooner,  I 
should  have  set  out  immediately  to  rejoin  you; — but 
the  account  of  the  treaty,  which  we  received  the  first 
of  May,  prevented  me  from  leaving  this  country.  The 
opening  campaign  does  not  allow  me  to  retire.  I  have 
always  been  perfectly  convinced  that  by  serving  the 
cause  of  humanity  and  that  of  America,  I  serve  also 
the  interests  of  France." 

About  this  time  dispatches  reached  Sir  Henry  Clin 
ton,  who  by  the  resignation  and  departure  for  England 
of  General  Howe,  was  left  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
British  forces,  ordering  him  to  evacuate  Philadelphia 
The  assistance  which  France  had  decided  to  render 
America,  and  the  naval  force  which  was  fitting  out  at 


86  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Toulon  for  this  object,  made  Philadelphia  a  dangerous 
post,  and  induced  the  Ministry  to  withdraw  the  army 
from  the  Delaware.  Washington  was  early  apprised 
of  these  movements,  and  when  on  the  morning  of  the 
18th  of  June,  the  British  defiled  out  of  the  city,  he 
was  prepared  to  act  accordingly.  Judging  that  Gene 
ral  Clinton  was  expecting  to  reach  New  York  by  land, 
across  the  Jerseys,  Washington  had  previously  endea 
vored  to  impede  his  way  by  breaking  down  the  princi 
pal  bridges,  and  placing  obstructions  in  the  roads 
through  which  he  would  have  to  pass.  At  this  crisis 
a  council  of  war  was  held  at  Valley  Forge,  upon  the 
propriety  of  hazarding  a  general  engagement.  A  wide 
diversity  of  opinion  prevailed.  General  Lee,  whose 
opinion  carried  great  weight,  was  vehement  against 
risking  either  a  general  or  partial  battle.  General  Du 
Portail,  a  French  officer  of  distinction,  the  Baron  de 
Steuben  and  most  of  the  foreign  officers  took  the  same 
ground,  and  maintained  that  an  action  ought  to  be  care 
fully  avoided.  A  majority  of  the  American  generals 
were  influenced  by  their  counsels;  and  of  seventeen,  in 
all,  only  Wayne  and  Cadwallader  were  decidedly  in  fa 
vor  of  attacking  the  enemy.  Lafayette,  however,  was 
inclined  to  this  latter  opinion,  but  without  openly  avow 
ing  it;  and  General  Greene  was  also  disposed  to  ven 
ture  more  than  the  views  of  the  greater  number  would 
sanction.  Washington  for  weighty  reasons  desired  an 
action,  but  the  voice  of  the  majority  prevailed,  though 
not  without  evident  dissatisfaction  to  him. 

Determining  to  follow  the  foe  on  their  march,  he  left 
Yalley  Forge  the  same  day  that  they  deserted  Phila- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  87 

delphia  and  crossing  the  river  at  Coryell's  Ferry,  made 
a  stand  at  Hopewell.  On  the  24th  of  the  month,  ano 
ther  council  of  war  was  held  at  this  place,  in  which, 
after  stating  the  relative  strength  and  position  of  the 
two  armies,  the  Commander-in-Chief  proposed  the  fol 
lowing  questions: 

"  Will  it  be  advisable  for  us,  of  choice,  to  hazard  a 
general  action  1  If  it  is,  should  we  do  it  by  immedi 
ately  making  a  general  attack  upon  the  enemy,  by 
attempting  a  partial  one,  or  by  taking  such  a  position, 
if  it  can  be  done,  as  may  oblige  them  to  attack  us  1 
If  it  is  not,  what  measures  can  be  taken,  with  safety 
to  this  army,  to  annoy  the  enemy  in  their  march  1  In 
fine,  what  precise  line  of  conduct  will  it  be  advisable 
for  us  to  pursue  1 " 

In  this  consultation,  as  in  the  first,  Lee  made  a 
strenuous  opposition  to  a  general  encounter.  Being 
next  to  Washington  in  rank,  and  moreover  a  General 
of  great  experience,  his  arguments  and  opinions  had 
much  influence  over  the  younger  officers  present.  It 
was  finally  decided  that  an  attack  was  not  advisable, 
but  that  "  a  detachment  of  fifteen  hundred  men  be  im 
mediately  sent  to  act,  as  occasion  may  serve,  on  the 
enemy's  left  flank  and  rear,  in  conjunction  with  the 
other  Continental  infantry  and  militia,  who  are  already 
hanging  about  them,  and  that  the  main  body  preserve 
a  relative  position,  so  as  to  be  able  to  act  as  circum 
stances  may  require."  This  decision  was  little  to  the 
taste  of  Washington.  Lafayette  had  expressed  his 
opinion  precisely,  when  in  the  latter  council  be  con 
tended  "  that  it  would  be  disgraceful  to  the  officers  and 


88  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

humiliating  for  the  troops,  to  allow  the  enemy  to  tra 
verse  the  Jerseys  unmolested;  that  without  running  an 
imprudent  risk,  the  rear  guard  at  least  of  the  British 
might  be  attacked ;  that  it  was  best  to  follow  the 
enemy,  manoeuvre  with  prudence,  and  take  advantage 
of  circumstances,  even  to  the  hazard  of  a  general 
battle."  After  the  decision,  Lafayette  and  Wayne 
strongly  represented  to  Washington  the  inefficiency  of 
the  designated  force,  and  urged  the  appointment  of 
additional  men.  As  this  coincided  with  the  Comman 
der's  view,  he  promptly  resolved  to  act  in  conformity 
therewith,  and  even  to  risk  a  conflict  if  unforseen  cir 
cumstances  should  not  prevent. 

Washington  accordingly  entered  upon  prompt  mea 
sures.  General  Dickenson  with  the  Jersey  militia  con 
sisting  of  about  one  thousand  men,  and  Maxwell  with 
his  brigade  already  hung  on  the  enemy's  left  flank 
towards  their  rear.  General  Cadwallader  with  Jack 
son's  regiment  were  behind,  while  Colonel  Morgan 
with  his  six  hundred  tried  soldiers,  was  ready  to  har 
ass  them  on  their  right.  Fifteen  hundred  men  ordered 
by  the  last  council  of  war,  had  also  been  marched  for 
ward  to  the  lines  under  command  of  Brigadier-General 
Scott.  Firmly  fixed  in  his  purpose,  to  bring  on  an 
engagement  if  possible,  Washington  now  sent  Wayne 
with  a  further  division  of  one  thousand  select  troops  to 
reinforce  General  Cadwallader.  This  swelled  the 
continental  battalions  in  front  of  the  enemy  to  be 
tween  four  and  five  thousand;  and  as  the  simultaneous 
action  of  these  was  of  the  highest  importance,  Wash 
ington  deemed  it  proper  that  a  Major-General  should 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  80 

be  entrusted  with  their  supreme  command.  This  duty 
would  naturally  have  fallen  to  Lee,  but  as  he  was  to 
tally  opposed  to  the  course  taken,  Lafayette  went  to 
Washington  and  offered  himself  to  lead  the  attacking 
division.  Washington  referred  him  to  Lee,  who  very 
readily  assented  to  the  offer  of  the  Marquis,  saying 
that  he  disapproved  of  the  plans  of  the  Commander-in 
Chief,  that  he  was  sure  they  would  fail,  and  that  he 
was  willing  to  be  relieved  from  any  responsibility  in 
carrying  them  into  execution.  Upon  this,  Washington 
had  no  hesitation  in  conferring  the  command  upon  La 
fayette.  It  was  an  important  post  but  the  keen  insight 
of  Washington  had  not  mistaken  his  man.  Young  as 
he  was  the  Marquis  had  already  inspired  a  confidence 
in  his  bravery,  prudence,  and  skill,  which  was  both 
flattering  and  merited.  He  was  ordered  to  proceed 
immediately  with  the  detachment  under  General  Poor, 
and  form  a  junction  speedily  as  possible  with  the  one 
which  had  just  been  sent  forward  under  Scott.  "  You 
are  to  use,"  says  Washington  in  his  instructions,  "  the 
most  effectual  means  for  gaining  the  enemy's  left  flank 
and  rear,  and  giving  them  every  means  of  annoyance. 
All  continental  parties,  that  are  already  on  the  lines, 
will  be  under  your  command,  and  you  will  take  such 
measures,  in  concert  with  General  Dickenson,  as  will 
cause  the  enemy  the  greatest  impediment  and  loss  in 
their  march.  For  these  purposes  you  will  attack  them 
as  occasion  may  require  by  detachment,  and,  if  a  proper 
opening  should  be  given,  by  operating  against  them 
with  the  whole  force  of  your  command.  You  will  na^ 
turally  take  such  precautions  as  will  secure  you  against 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

surprise,  and  maintain  your  communication  with  this 
army."  But  no  sooner  had  Lafayette  left  than  Lee 
began  to  repent  of  having  declined  the  commission. 
He  wrote  to  Washington  setting  forth  his  changed 
views,  and  soliciting  in  the  most  urgent  manner  that 
he  might  yet  be  entrusted  with  the  appointment.  Here 
was  a  new  difficulty.  Washington  had  already  given  it 
to  Lafayette,  and  he  could  not  recall  it  without  danger 
of  offending  him;  and  he  could  not  refuse  the  present  en 
treaty  of  Lee  without  giving  umbrage  to  that  General. 
There  was,  however,  an  obvious  impropriety  in  with 
drawing  the  command  so  soon,  and  this  was  accor 
dingly  represented  to  Lee.  He  then  appealed  to  La 
fayette.  He  told  him  of  the  position  in  which  he  was 
placed,  and  of  the  partial  glance  which  he  had  bestowed 
on  the  subject,  when  he  declined.  Lee  evidently  saw 
that  his  reputation  might  be  impaired  when  his  op 
position  to  the  action  would  be  connected  with  the 
fact  that  he  afterwards  refused  to  take  the  command 
of  a  strong  division  which,  it  was  expected  would 
meet  and  engage  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  "  My  for 
tune  and  honor,"  he  wrote  to  Lafayette,  "  are  placed 
in  your  hands;  —  you  are  too  generous  to  cause  the 
loss  of  both."  Lafayette  was  pleased  with  tire  post, 
and  was  at  first  unwilling  to  relinquish  it.  But  the 
repeated  entreaties  of  Lee,  and  his  appeals  to  his 
generosity  and  magnanimity^  at  length  gained  the 
point,  and  he  wrote  to  Washington,  assuring  him  that 
if  it  was  believed  necessary  or  useful  to  the  good  of 
the  service  and  the  honor  of  General  Lee,  to  send  him 
down  with  a  couple  of  thousand  men,  or  any  greater 
force,  he  would  cheerfully  obey  and  serve  him,  not 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  91 

only  out  of  duty,  but  cut  of  the  respect  he  owed  to 
that  officer's  character.  Upon  the  receipt  of  this  letter 
Washington  wrote  to  Lee  offering  an  expedient  which 
he  deemed  would  be  satisfactory  to  both.  He  pro 
posed  that  General  Lee  should  march  at  the  head  of 
two  brigades  to  support  the  Marquis  at  Englishtown, 
where  as  senior  officer,  he  would  have  the  direction  of 
the  whole  front  section,  which  after  he  had  joined  it, 
would  amount  to  over  five  thousand  men.  It  was, 
however,  expressly  stipulated,  that  if  any  enterprise 
had  been  already  formed  by  Lafayette,  it  should  go 
forward  the  same  as  if  no  change  were  made.  To 
this  condition  Lee  readily  acceded,  and  Washington 
thereupon  wrote  to  Lafayette  as  follows  :  —  "  General 
Lee's  uneasiness  on  account  of  yesterday's  transaction, 
rather  increasing  than  abating,  and  your  politeness  in 
wishing  to  ease  him  of  it,  have  induced  me  to  detach 
him  from  this  army  with  a  part  of  it,  to  reinforce,  or 
at  least  cover  the  several  detachments  at  present  under 
your  command.  At  the  same  time  that  I  felt  for  Gene 
ral  Lee's  distress  of  mind,  I  have  had  an  eye  to  your 
wishes,  and  the  delicacy  of  your  situation  ;  and  have 
therefore  obtained  a  promise  from  him,  that,  when  he 
gives  you  notice  of  his  approach  and  command,  he  will 
request  you  to  prosecute  any  plan  you  may  have 
already  concerted  for  the  purpose  of  attacking,  or 
otherwise  annoying  the  enemy.  This  is  the  only  expe 
dient  I  could  think  of  to  answer  the  views  of  both. 
General  Lee  seems  satisfied  with  the  measure,  and  I 
wish  it  may  prove  agreeable  to  you,  as  I  am,  with  the 

7 


92  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

warmest  wishes  for  your  honor  and  glory,  and  with 
the  sincerest  esteem  and  affection,  yours,  &c." 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  who  was  not  unapprised  of  these 
designs  against  him,  had  taken  a  strong  post  on  the 
heights  of  Freehold,  near  Monmouth.  Washington 
saw  that  this  was  unassailable,  and,  aware  that  if  the 
British  were  allowed  to  proceed  twelve  miles,  till 
they  should  gain  the  heights  of  Middle  town,  they 
would  be  perfectly  secure,  he  gave  orders  to  General 
Lee  to  attack  the  British  rear  as  soon  as  it  should 
move  from  its  present  ground. 

Morning  broke  of  the  2Sth  of  June,  1778.  Wash 
ington  was  in  his  saddle  at  five  in  the  morning,  listen 
ing  to  the  intelligence  just  received  from  General 
Dickenson,  that  the  front  of  the  enemy  was  in  mo 
tion.  u  To  arms !"  was  sounded  along  the  American 
ranks  ;  and  the  order  was  instantly  dispatched  to 
General  Lee  to  advance  upon  the  enemy,  "unless 
there  should  be  powerful  reasons  to  the  contrary." 
He  was  at  the  same  time  informed  that  Washington 
with  the  rear  division  of  the  American  force,  would 
be  on  the  way  to  support  him.  Washington,  with 
his  usual  decision,  had  thus  prepared  for  combat,  con 
trary  to  the  opinion  of  Lee  and  that  of  the  officers 
generally.  The  orders  sent  to  Lee  wrere  prompt  and 
urgent  ;  and  though  his  judgment  demurred,  now  that 
they  were  given,  it  only  remained  for  him  to  execute 
them.  His  first  movements  were  those  of  ready  obe 
dience.  Appearing  upon  the  heights  of  Freehold  soon 
after  Lord  Cornwallis  had  left  them,  he  followed  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  93 

enemy  into  the  plain  and  made  immediate  disposition 
for  the  onset.  Hitherto  his  tactics  had  been  marked 
with  skill  and  caution,  but  here  he  seemed  to  lose  all 
prudence.  He  ordered  Lafayette  to  a  station  where 
he  was  subjected  to  the  galling  fire  of  the  English 
artillery  without  any  prospect  of  good,  while  he  him 
self,  stood  apparently  uncertain  what  course  to  pursue. 
The  Marquis  was  soon  forced  to  retire,  but  nothing 
daunted,  he  wraited  a  more  favorable  field  for  heroism. 
A  fair  opportunity  seemed  to  offer  itself,  and,  full  of 
energy  and  enthusiasm,  he  rode  up  to  Lee  and  solicited 
permission  to  avail  himself  of  it.  "  Sir,"  said  Lee, 
"you  do  not  know  British  soldiers;  —  we  cannot 
stand  against  them  ;  —  we  shall  certainly  be  driven 
back  at  first,  and  we  must  be  cautious."  This  was 
far  from  suiting  the  fiery  nature  of  the  Marquis,  and 
he  answered  with  as  much  spirit  as  was  becoming, 
that  British  soldiers  had  been  beaten,  and,  it  was  to 
be  presumed,  they  might  be  beaten  again.  At  this 
crisis  began  the  strangest  act  in  that  day's  drama. 
Lee  was  supported  by  five  thousand  men,  all  panting 
for  the  conflict,  and  though  he  knew  he  could  trust 
in  their  bravery  to  an  unlimited  extent  ;  —  that  Wash 
ington  who  earnestly  desired  battle  was  already  bring 
ing  forward  the  whole  army  to  his  support,  yet  after 
the  slightest  skirmishing,  before  any  advantage  had 
been  gained  on  either  side,  he  ordered  a  retreat.  La 
fayette  was  enraged  but  could  not  disobey.  He 
instantly  dispatched  a  messenger  to  Washington,  in- 
formirg  him  of  the  state  of  affairs,  and  earnestly  be 
seeching  him  to  hasten  to  the  scene  of  retreat  ;  wi" 


04  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

saw  the  condition  of  things  at  a  glance,  and  instantly 
rode  forward.  He  was  not,  however,  prepared  for 
trie  whole  scene.  Every  where  there  was  the  appear 
ance  of  disorder  and  confusion.  General  Dickenson, 
with  his  division  of  militia  on  the  left  flank  of  the 
British,  had  been  utterly  routed,  and  was  flying  over 
the  plain  in  dismay,  with  no  effort  from  Lee  to  check 
the  retreat.  Lafayette  seemed  every  where  present 
among  the  troops,  and  as  he  could  not  prevent  flight, 
he  struggled  nobly  to  save  the  army  from  a  total  rout. 
Lee  had  ordered  back  the  whole  force  under  his  com 
mand,  and  Washington  gave  utterance  to  a  storm  of 
indignation,  when  he  met  them  fleeing  before  the 
enemy,  without  having  made  an  endeavor  to  maintain 
their  ground.  Riding  up  to  General  Lee,  he  accosted 
that  officer  in  tones  of  cutting  severity  and  disapproba 
tion  ;  and  then  set  himself  with  a  superhuman  activity 
at  work,  to  retrieve  the  disasters  of  the  morning.  A 
look  at  his  calm,  majestic  figure,  at  this  moment, 
sitting  upon  his  white  horse,  covered  with  dust  and 
foam,  and  casting  his  eagle  eye  over  the  field  where 
almost  beneath  the  banners  of  the  exulting  foe,  the 
regiments  were  retreating,  sent  a  thrill  of  returning 
hope,  like  an  electric  current,  along  .the  broken  ranks. 
A  new  courage  rose  throughout  the  smitten  host  when 
they  found  the  Commander-in-Chief  was  present  to 
guide  the  terrible  strife,  the  rest  of  that  fatal  day. 
"  Never,"  said  Lafayette  to  Marshal — "never  was 
General  Washington  greater  in  war  than  in  this  action. 
His  presence  stopped  the  retreat.  His  dispositions 
fixed  the  victory.  His  fine  appearance  ou  horseback, 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  95 

his  calm  courage  roused  by  the  animation  produced  by 
the  vexation  of  the  morning,  gave  him  the  air  best  cal 
culated  to  excite  enthusiasm."  The  day  was  oppres 
sively  sultry,  and  the  heat  was  at  96  deg.  Fahrenheit. 
Not  a  breath  of  air  lifted  the  drooping  colors,  or 
stirred  the  plumes  around  the  throbbing  temples  of  the 
soldiers,  while  the  charge  was  sounded,  and  the  flying 
companies  wheeled  to  face  the  deadly  sweep  of  their 
pursuers.  Order  began  to  smile  upon  the  chaos  of  the 
continental  brigades,  and  "  Long  live  Washington !" 
was  heard  above  the  thunder  of  artillery,  repeated  by 
unnumbered  lips  parched  with  thirst,  and  pallid  with 
weariness.  That  single  man,  by  the  quiet  might  of  his 
splendid  genius,  turned  back  the  tide  of  war  upon  the 
enemy  with  astonishing  haste,  and  under  a  wasting 
h'ro.  His  white  charger  amid  the  deepening  smoke 
of  br.tile,  was  like  the  shining  cross  to  the  crusaders, 
when  Jerusalem  lay  at  their  feet,  and  they  were  sink 
ing  beneath  the  fierce  and  vastly  outnumbering  foe. 
The  columns  pressed  steadily  up  to  the  blaze  of  can 
non;  and  many  a  brave  fellow  fell  unpierced  by  the 
hail  of  death,  gasping  for  water,  and  yet  struggling  to 
follow  his  leader  back  to  the  scene  of  carnage.  The 
entire  aspect  of  that  field  was  now  changed.  Colonel 
Stewart  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ramsay,  were  sent 
with  their  regiments  to  an  important  point  on  the  left, 
to  sustain  the  shock  of  the  advancing  enemy  there. 
Lee,  with  the  remainder  of  the  force,  was  directed  to 
command  the  front,  arrayed  again  for  the  furious  onset, 
while  Washington  galloped  away  to  bring  his  own  di 
vision  up  to  the  desperate  encounter.  Lee,  stung  with 


96  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  reproaches  of  his  General,  naturally  extremely  sen 
sitive  in  regard  to  his  honor,  was  fully  aroused  to  wipe 
off  the  morning's  disgrace.  He  could  fight  with  unri 
valed  courage,  if  he  willed,  and  was  indeed  a  brave  offi 
cer.  He  dashed  into  the  contest  with  bitter  determi 
nation,  arid  though  compelled  to  yield,  he  retired  in 
fine  order  and  with  courageous  resistance  to  the  last. 
Washington  soon  appeared,  and  then  followed  the  wild 
uproar  and  falling  ranks  of  wide  and  sanguinary  battle. 
Each  army  poured  into  the  bosom  of  the  other  a  tem 
pest  of  bullets,  while  the  batteries  grew  hot  from  rapid 
discharges,  which  opened  a  momentary  gape  through 
living  men;  and  upon  all  beat  the  scorching  sun  of  that 
Sabbath  day.  General  Greene  commanded  the  right 
wing  of  the  first  line,  Lord  Sterling  the  left,  and  La 
fayette  led  on  the  second  line.  The  impetuous  charge 
forced  the  British  back  in  front,  and.  attempting  to  turn 
on  the  left,  were  here  also  repulsed.  Wheeling  to  the 
right,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  now  bore  down  upon  General 
Greene,  who  met  the  attack  as  a  rock  flings  back  the 
wave.  He  had  sent  a  body  of  troops  with  artillery  to 
a  commanding  elevation,  which  now  operated  with  so 
much  effect,  that  he  not  only  foiled  the  present  attempt 
of  Clinton,  but  completely  enfiladed  the  division  which 
yet  remained  in  front  of  the  left  wing.  Sir  Henry 
had,  therefore,  no  resort  but  to  withdraw  behind  a 
marshy  ravine,  on  the  ground  which  he  had  occupied 
before  the  commencement  of  the  battle.  Arrange 
ments  were  immediately  made  for  attacking  him  there, 
but  the  excessive  heat,  the  fatigue  of  the  soldiers,  and 
the  approach  of  night,  dissuaded  Washington,  and  he 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  97 

accordingly  issued  his  orders  to  desist.  Lafayette  had 
been  in  his  saddle  and  incessantly  active  since  four  in 
the  morning,  displaying  the  utmost  coolness,  and  sha 
ring  every  where  in  the  toils  and  dangers  of  the  day. 
Nothing  could  intimidate  him,  nothing  appeared  to 
weary  him;  but  with  a  bearing  ever  high  and  heroic, 
he  passed  unscathed  amid  the  rage  of  that  battle-storm. 
"I  have  been  charmed,"  said  an  officer  under  his  im 
mediate  command,  "  with  the  blooming  gallantry,  and 
sagacity,  of  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  who  appears  to 
be  possessed  of  every  requisite  to  constitute  a  great 
General."  This  praise  of  his  prudence,  and  skill,  and 
courage,  was  universal  in  the  army. 

An  incident  of  this  battle  connected  with  Lafayette 
is  found  in  the  "  Historical  Anecdotes  of  the  reign  of 
Louis  XVI."  It  is  related  as*  follows; — "During  the 
American  War,  a  General  officer,  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  advanced,  with  a  score  of  men,  under 
the  English  batteries,  to  reconnoitre  their  position. 
His  aid-de-camp,  struck  by  a  ball,  fell  at  his  side  while 
the  officers  and  orderly  dragoons  fled  precipitately. 
The  General,  though  under  the  fire  of  the  cannon,  ap 
proached  the  wounded  man  to  see  whether  he  had 
any  signs  of  life  remaining,  or  whether  any  assistance 
could  be  afforded  him.  Finding  the  wound  had  been 
mortal,  he  turned  his  eyes  away  with  emotion,  and 
slowly  rejoined  the  group  which  had  got  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  pieces.  This  instance  of  courage  and  hu 
manity  took  place  at  the  battle  of  Monmouth.  Gene 
ral  Clinton,  who  commanded  the  English  troops,  knew 
that  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  generally  rode  a  white 


98  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

horse; — and  it  was  upon  a  white  horse  that  the  Gene 
ral  officer,  who  retired  so  slowly,  was  mounted.  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  therefore,  commanded  the  gunners  not 
to  fire.  This  noble  forbearance  probably  saved  Gene 
ral  Lafayette's  life,  for  it  was  he  himself.  At  that  time 
he  was  but  twenty-two  years  of  age."  Such  wras  the 
battle  of  Monmouth. 

Washington  and  Lafayette  passed  the  night  upon 
the  field  of  strife,  in  the  folds  of  the  same  mantle, 
worn  by  the  former.  In  the  morning  when  they  arose, 
the  enemy  had  departed.  At  midnight  they  had  left 
their  camp  and  fled  with  such  secrecy  that  no  knowl 
edge  of  the  fact  was  communicated  to  the  Americans 
till  day-break,  by  which  time  they  were  beyond  the 
reach  of  their  disappointed  enemy.  Washington, 
though  he  had  hoped  for  a  renewal  of  the  engagement, 
saw  the  folly  of  pursuit,  and  quietly  allowed  his  army 
to  rest  upon  the  field. 

On  the  7th  of  July  the  French  force,  which  La 
fayette  had  so  anxiously  solicited,  arrived  off  the  Capes 
of  Delaware.  It  consisted  of  twelve  ships  of  the  line 
and  six  frigates,  having  on  board  a  respectable  body  of 
land  forces,  and  was  commanded  by  the  Count  d'  Es- 
taing,  a  French  nobleman  of  some  distinction.  He 
had  sailed  from  Toulon  on  the  13th  of  April  and  made 
his  point  of  destination  the  Delaware,  hoping  to  find 
the  British  fleet  in  that  river,  and  their  army  in  Phila 
delphia.  Adverse  winds  had,  however,  protracted  his 
voyage  across  the  Atlantic,  till  the  English  fleet  and 
army,  warned  of  his  approach,  had  made  good  their 
escape.  Upon  learning  this,  the  next  plan  of  d'  Es- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  99 

taing  was  to  make  an  attack  upon  New  York,  but  this 
he  was  induced  to  abandon  by  the  representations  of 
the  pilots,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  pass  the  bar 
at  Sandy  Hook,  with  his  heavy  ships.  A  combined  en 
terprise  against  the  enemy  at  Rhode  Island,  was  next 
planned.  D'Estaing  sailed  for  Newport,  and  Lafayette 
with  two  brigades  was  to  join  at  Providence  General 
Sullivan,  who  commanded  the  American  forces  in 
Rhode  Island. 

The  prospects  of  the  Revolutionary  arms  were  again 
bright.  All  over  the  land  rang  the  shouts  of  enthusi 
astic  welcome,  to  the  forces  sent  by  a  monarch  to  cheer 
and  sustain  the  suffering  cohort  of  freedom.  Adula 
tion  and  praise  were  lavished  upon  them  from  every 
quarter,  and  in  many  bosoms  joy  succeeded  the  sad 
ness  of  deep  despondency.  The  Count  came  to  anchor 
off  Newport  on  the  25th  of  July.  His  earnest  man 
ner  of  proceeding  increased  the  universal  gladness, 
which  his  arrival  awakened,  and  he  seemed  inclined  to 
throw  his  whole  strength  into  the  struggle,  and  ready 
to  carry  forward  any  project  that  energy  and  wisdom 
could  suggest. 

The  character  of  Count  d'Estaing  has  been  mis 
represented,  and  perhaps  hardly  understood.  We 
shall  endeavor  to  unfold  it  somewhat  particularly,  in 
our  account  of  succeeding  transactions. 

On  the  21st  of  July,  Lafayette  with  two  brigades 
was  ordered  to  join  General  Sullivan  at  Providence. 
Before  arriving  there,  the  French  fleet  had  appeared 
at  Newport,  and  impatient  of  delay,  d'  Estaing  imme 
diately  concerted  with  Sullivan,  the  course  of  action. 


100  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

without  waiting  for  the  reinforcements.  The  Count 
was  all  ardor,  and  with  Gallic  zeal  in  haste  for  the 
contest.  We  apprehend  that  the  only  law  of  his  char 
acter  which  ofiers  to  us  a  satisfactory  solution  to  the 
problem  of  his  after  history,  is  found  in  his  ardent  na 
ture  and  consequent  restiveness  under  restraint.  His 
long  passage,  while  it  had  soured  his  temper,  had  also 
strongly  increased  his  desire  for  a  signal  achievement, 
now  that  he  had  arrived  on  the  field  of  display.  The 
delay  of  the  expected  force,  though  unavoidable,  offered 
a  temporary  barrier  to  his  progress,  and  was  exceed 
ingly  displeasing  to  him.  A  plan  was,  however,  agreed 
upon,  which  promised  important  results  in  future 
success.  As  soon  as  Lafayette  and  his  division 
wrere  there,  its  execution  was  immediately  determined 
upon.  The  British  with  a  force  6,000  strong,  occupied 
Newport,  and  this  stronghold  became  the  grand  ob 
ject  of  the  allies.  Here  was  the  arena  of  conflict. 
Towards  Narragansett  Bay  were  turned  the  anxious 
eyes  of  friends  and  foes  of  American  liberty.  Wash 
ington,  at  White  Plains,  having  sent  out  an  additional 
force,  waited  with  solicitude  for  the  issue;  while  the 
English  Admiral  closely  followed  the  fleet,  to  that  port. 
General  Pigot,  who  commanded  the  troops  in  Rhode 
Island,  was  regarded  as  a  doomed  man,  when  the  de 
signs  against  him  were  disclosed.  Completely  en 
circled  by  enemies,  an  easy  overthrow  was  apparent, 
yet  he  was  not  disposed  to  submit  without  resistance. 
Withdrawing  the  men  which  had  been  stationed  on  the 
north  end  of  the  island  into  the  lines  at  Newport,  he 
fortified  himself  for  the  expected  attack. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  101 

When  he  Leard  of  this,  General  Sullivan  resolved  to 
take  immediate  possession  of  the  works  which  the 
British  had  just  abandoned,  and  on  the  9th  of  August 
he  crossed  over  the  Sea-connet  passage,  and  landed  on 
the  north  end  of  Rhode  Island.*  This  movement 
though  perfectly  just  in  itself,  was  yet  the  source  of 
much  subsequent  difficulty.  The  Count  d'Estaing  was 
a  Lieutenant-General  at  home,  and  as  such,  held  a 
higher  rank  than  Sullivan,  who  was  only  a  Major-Gene 
ral."  Liliicullies  on  subjects  of  mere  punctilio,  to  avoid 
which,  Washington  advised  Sullivan  to  take  every  pre 
caution,  had  previously  arisen  between  them,  although 
neither  had  given  intimations  of  resentment.  His 
crossing  over  from  the  main  land  before  the  time 
agreed  upon  for  the  joint  attack,  and  without  having 
communicated  his  purpose  to  d'  Estaing  was  immedi 
ately  regarded  disrespectful  by  him,  who  expressed 
his  suspicion  that  the  measure  was  taken  with  other 
motives  than  those  assigned.  A  letter  from  Sullivan 
in  vindication  of  himself,  he  refused  to  answer,  and  a 
day  that  ought  to  have  been  devoted  to  action,  was 
spent  in  fruitless  discussion  and  recriminations. 

Towards  evening  of  the  same  day,  the  English  fleet 
which  had  been  dispatched  from  New  York  for  the 
succor  of  General  Pigot  hove  in  sight.  A  change  at 
once  came  over  Count  d'Estaing.  His  imperious  bear- 
i.sig  softened,  and  the  next  morning,  with  favorable 


*Thi«,  of  (>«  in^c,  will  IH>  understood  as  Rhode  Island  proper.  The 
ten  P.  was  first  given  to  this  island  upon  which  Newport  is  situated, 
and  afterwards  applied  to  the  State. 


102  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

breeze  he  determined  to  stand  out  to  sea  and  give 
battle,  at  the  same  time  assuring  Sullivan  that  on  his 
return,  he  would  co-operate  with  him.  This  purpose 
displayed  a  great  want  of  the  highest  qualities  of  a 
military  leader.  Every  thing  was  ready  for  the  at 
tack  upon  Newport,  and  an  energetic  prosecution  of 
it,  was  now  only  necessary  for  success.  The  British 
Admiral,  soon  as  he  saw  the  strength  and  position  of 
the  French  fleet,  despaired  of  rescuing  the  town,  but 
dropped  anchor  to  take  advantage  of  any  accidental 
circumstance  which  might  arise.  To  throw  away  this 
advantage  for  the  sake  of  entering  upon  what  was  at 
best  a  doubtful  adventure,  was  the  height  of  folly. 
Still,  we  are  not  inclined  to  blame  d'  Estaing  to  the 
extent  many  have  done.  It  was  folly,  and  not  cow 
ardice,  or  want  of  interest  in  the  cause  to  which  he 
was  allied.  He  was  enthusiastic  and  impatient,  and  that 
these  traits  blinded  him  is  evident,  from  his  previous  and 
after  history.  He  fancied,  and  doubtless  sincerely, 
that  he  could  make  a  brilliant  coup  de  main,  by  dis 
persing  the  hostile  fleet,  and  afterwards  return  to  cap 
ture  the  city. 

Sullivan's  army  amounted  to  ten  thousand  men,  and 
a  council  of  war  was  called  in  which  an  immediate 
battle  was  proposed.  Notwithstanding  the  departure 
of  d' Estaing,  it  was  urged  that  the  American  force 
was  sufficient  for  the  emergency,  which  demanded  the 
trial.  Lafayette  alone  dissented.  He  admitted  the 
favorable  views  expressed,  but  objected  to  the  com 
mencement  of  operations,  before  the  return  of  d'Es- 
taing.  He  urged  that  the  Admiral  had  already  felt 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  103 

himself  aggrieved,  and  that  his  feeling  would  be  revived 
with  keener  edge  if  they  advanced  upon  the  enemy 
before  his  return,  and  without  his  co-operation.  His 
advice,  therefore,  was,  that  they  should  take  a  position 
near  Newport  till  the  Count  should  be  ready  to  act 
with  them.  Time,  however,  was  of  so  much  impor 
tance  to  a  body  of  troops  organized  as  the  continental 
army  was,  that  the  opposite  counsels  prevailed,  and  it 
was  decided  to  open  the  trenches  and  begin  the  siege 
without  delay. 

Preparations,  therefore,  went  briskly  forward.  Fifty 
rounds  of  ammunition  were  distributed  to  each  soldier, 
and  through  all  the  ranks  were  heard  the  busy  notes 
of  preparation  for  the  contest.  But,  suddenly,  while 
the  stirring  pageant  of  war  was  moving  to  the  mea 
sures  of  death's  music,  the  moan  of  a  coming  tempest 
was  heard  above  the  tumult  of  the  tented  plain.  The 
breeze  increased  to  a  gale  ;  the  black  clouds  rose  above 
the  horizon,  and  rushed  across  the  heavens,  till  twilight 
was  the  illumination  of  noon-day.  There  was  a  pause 
throughout  the  camp,  and  impatient  waiting  for  a  calm. 
But,  hour  after  hour,  the  tempest  increased  in  fury,  the 
sky  blackened,  and  the  winds  howled,  mingling  in 
wildest  chaos  the  lighter  materials  of  a  military  cam 
paign  ;  and  at  length,  rending  the  curtains  of  the  tents, 
scattered  them  like  autumnal  leaves.  The  rain  de 
scended  in  sheets,  deluging  the  men,  amunition  and 
arms.  A  wilder  scene  can  scarcely  be  imagined. 
Over  the  wide  field,  were  files  of  soldiers  shelterless  in 
the  storm,  around  them  the  ruins  of  their  white  dwel 
lings  ;  officers  standing  with  drooping  plumes,  and  their 


104  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

horses  bracing  in  terror  to  meet  the  now  pauseless  hur 
ricane  that  raged  on  ;  while  artillery  and  magazines 
were  exposed  to  the  unsparing  elements,  whose  battle 
made  the  hero  of  the  sanguinary  conflict  shrink  with 
terror.  Several  perished  during  this  tempest,  which 
continued  for  three  days  with  unexampled  severity. 

As  soon  as  the  storm  was  over,  and  order  could  be 
restored,  the  siege  was  opened.  This  was  on  the  15th 
of  August  ;  and  for  several  days  the  work  was  vigor 
ously  prosecuted.  The  two  fleets  had  sailed  out  of 
sight,  and  as  no  news  was  heard  from  either  of  them, 
the  anxiety  of  the  Americans  became  intense.  Their 
situation  was,  moreover,  becoming  critical,  since,  in 
the  absence  of  their  allies,  new  regiments  might  with 
out  interruption  be  thrown  into  Newport,  and  not  only 
defeat  the  enterprise,  but  render  retreat  hazardous. 
The  re-appearance  of  d'Estaing  on  the  morning  of  the 
19th,  was  hailed  with  peculiar  joy.  After  a  day 
or  two  spent  in  maneuvering,  he  was  upon  the  point 
of  engaging  with  his  rival,  when  the  same  storm  which 
had  made  the  terrible  havoc  on  shore,  swept  the  ship 
ping  and  instantly  dispersed  the  vessels,  leaving  them 
at  the  end  of  forty-eight  hours,  totally  unfit  for  action. 
The  British  fleet  sailed  back  to  New  York.  The  hopes 
excited  by  the  return  of  d'Estaing  were  soon  to  be 
most  lamentably  dispelled.  He  wrote  to  Sullivan, 
stating  that  in  pursuance  of  the  orders  of  his  King,  and 
the  advice  of  all  his  officers,  he  was  about  to  sail  for 
Boston  to  repair  the  damage  done  by  the  tempest. 
His  instructions  wrere  to  repair  to  Boston  if  any  acci 
dent  should  happen  to  his  fleet,  or  a  superior  British 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  105 

force  should  appear  off  the  coast.  This  design  ex 
cited  universal  indignation  in  the  camp.  The  accents 
of  applause  which  had  greeted  the  arrival  of  d'Estaing 
were  at  once  exchanged  for  bitter  execrations  ;  and 
through  the  army  ran  the  murmur  of  disapprobation. 
With  the  fleet,  they  had  calculated  with  confidence  on 
a  brilliant  termination  of  the  expedition  ;  without  it, 
their  efforts  were  useless.  Sullivan  was  in  despair, 
though  he  could  hardly  believe  that  the  Count  would 
desert  them  in  a  moment  so  critical,  did  he  understand 
the  precise  nature  of  their  situation.  Generals  Greene 
and  Lafayette  were  accordingly  dispatched  with  a 
letter,  and  directed  to  use  their  utmost  efforts  to  induce 
him  to  reconsider.  ""  They  represented  to  him  the  cer 
tainty  of  carrying  the  garrison  if  he  would  co-operate 
with  them  only  two  days,  urged  the  impolicy  of  ex 
posing  the  fleet  at  sea,  in  its  present  condition,  repre 
sented  the  port  of  Boston  as  equally  insecure  with  that 
of  Newport,  and  added  that  the  expedition  had  been 
undertaken  on  condition  that  the  French  fleet  and  army 
should  co-operate  with  them  ;  —  that,  confiding  in  this 
co-operation,  they  had  brought  stores  into  the  island  to 
a  great  amount,  and  that  to  abandon  the  enterprise  in 
the  present  state  of  things,  would  be  a  reproach  and  a 
disgrace  to  their  arms.  To  be  deserted  at  such  a  criti 
cal  moment,  would  have  a  pernicious  influence  on  the 
American  people,  and  would  furnish  their  domestic 
foes,  as  well  as  the  common  enemy,  with  the  means  of 
animadverting  severely  on  their  prospects  from  an  alli 
ance  with  those  who  could  abandon  them,  under  cir 
cumstances  such  as  the  present.  They  concluded  with 


106  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

wishing  that  the  utmost  harmony  and  confidence  might 
subsist  between  the  two  nations,  and  especially  be 
tween  their  officers  ; — and  entreated  the  Admiral,  if 
any  personal  indiscretions  had  appeared  in  conducting 
the  expedition,  not  to  permit  them  to  prejudice  the 
common  cause."  These  points  and  others  were  pre 
sented  and  pressed  with  the  earnestness  of  pleading 
necessity.  The  Marquis,  especially,  besought  him  on 
his  honor  as  a  Frenchman  and  as  a  man,  not  to  aban 
don  the  cause  he  had  espoused,  in  such  hazardous  ex 
treme.  It  was,  however,  in  vain  ;  the  Count  positively 
refused  to  listen.  We  cannot  agree  with  those  who 
represent  d'Estaing  as  impelled  to  his  singular  course 
through  pique  at  Sullivan,  for  acting  without  consulta 
tion  with  himself.  This  idea  appears  absurd.  D'Es 
taing  himself  would  have  coveted  the  renown  attend 
ing  the  capture  of  Newport,  and  would  eagerly  have 
joined  the  American  forces  in  attempting  it,  had  no 
other  reason  interfered.  Lafayette  was  doubtless  right 
in  his  conjecture.  D'Estaing  was  properly  a  land  offi 
cer,  and  his  naval  subordinates  were  dissatisfied  with 
his  appointment.  The  Marquis  saw  that  they  were  his 
enemies  and  determined  to  thwart  any  plan  which 
would  give  him  a  famous  exploit.  Hence,  he  supposes, 
and  with  great  probability,  that,  appealing  to  the  strict 
letter  of  the  Count's  instructions,  they  unanimously  op 
posed  deviation  from  them.  Whatever  might  have 
been  his  own  preference,  he  could  not  disregard  both 
of  these  claims,  and  was  consequently  driven  to  the  al 
ternative  which  was  taken.  Nor  can  we  doubt  that 
his  own  desire  was  to  remain.  General  Greene  was 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  107 

of  this  opinion.  Upon  the  return  of  the  latter  with 
Lafayette,  Sullivan  determined  to  make  one  more 
effort  to  secure  the  Admiral's  aid.  In  this,  his  solicitude 
blinded  his  judgment.  A  protest  containing  expres 
sions  which  he  ought  to  have  known  would  be  offen 
sive,  was  signed  by  the  officers  except  Lafayette,  and 
dispatched  with  a  letter,  beseeching  him  to  change  his 
plans.  D'Estaing  was,  of  course,  highly  incensed  by 
the  protest,  and  sailed  directly  for  Boston. 

Sullivan,  now  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  called 
a  council  of  war  and  proposed  an  assault  upon  the  gar 
rison,  provided  five  thousand  men  who  had  seen  nine 
months'  service  could  be  obtained.  The  militia  were, 
however,  so  discouraged  by  the  departure  of  the  fleet, 
that  the  number  could  not  be  procured.  They  had  be 
gun  to  desert,  and  in  a  few  days  the  army  was  reduced 
to  only  five  thousand.  It  was  determined  to  break  up 
their  fortifications,  and  await  the  result  of  another  en 
deavor  to  prevail  upon  d'Estaing  to  hasten  back.  La 
fayette  used  all  his  tact  and  persuasion  to  remove  the 
prejudice  against  the  French  alliance,  caused  by  the 
desertion  of  d'Estaing.  His  unbounded  popularity 
gave  him  favor  every  where,  and  words  of  conciliation 
were  received  from  him  with  deference,  which  would 
have  been  rejected  with  contempt  from  another  source. 
Perhaps  nowhere  does  his  devotion  to  the  Colonies 
shine  more  purely  than  in  these  transactions.  The 
French  officers,  besides  him,  were  generally  inclined  to 
take  part  with  their  countrymen,  and  were  incensed 
by  the  reproaches  of  the  continental  troops.  Lafayette 

was  unwearied  as  a  peace-maker  between   the  two. 

8 


108  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

He  poured  oil  upon  the  troubled  waters  of  discontent, 
soothing  one  party  and  softening  the  asperity  of  the 
other,  in  his  mediation  to  bring  union  and  harmony 
again.  He  was  the  sun  shining  through  the  angry 
storm,  and  dropping  the  rain-bow  of  peace  upon  its 
threatening  brow.  After  the  army  had  been  drawn 
off  to  the  north  part  of  the  island,  Lafayette  advised  a 
farther  retreat  to  the  main  land.  This  being  delayed, 
he  was  sent  to  Boston,  to  make  the  desired  reconcilia 
tion  and  co-operation  with  d'Estaing.  Absorbed  with 
his  mission,  traveling  all  night,  he  arrived  just  in  time 
to  see  the  corps  of  officers  enter  the  city  to  attend  a 
public  dinner,  which  had  been  tendered  them  by  the 
civil  and  military  authorities  there.  After  the  festival, 
a  council  was  held,  in  which  Lafayette  proposed  his 
object,  and  brought  all  his  influence  to  restore  the 
friendly  relations  so  seriously  interrupted.  He  was 
em^ently  successful,  and  d'Estaing,  after  assuring  the 
Marquis  of  the  crippled  condition  of  his  fleet,  offered 
to  march  in  person  with  his  troops  to  Newport.  But 
before  this  arrangement  could  be  made,  Lafayette 
received  intelligence  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  ar 
rived  at  Newport,  and  the  American  army  was  flying 
before  the  enemy.  Here  was  action,  and  without  a 
moment's  delay,  he  started  for  the  scene.  He  traveled 
the  whole  distance,  (eighty  miles,)  in  less  than  eight 
hours,  and  arrived  at  Howland's  Ferry  on  the  Sea- 
connet  passage,  just  as  the  troops  were  crossing  it. 
One  moment  was  spent  in  a  rapid  survey,  and  then 
he  threw  himself  into  the  arena  of  danger  and  of 
glory.  His  post  was  chosen  when  he  perceived  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  109 

rear  guard,  composed  of  a  thousand  men,  still  upon 
the  island  and  surrounded.  He  placed  himself  at  their 
head,  and  his  clear  voice  of  command  rising  above 
the  roar  of  conflict,  made  the  hearts  of  that  despairing 
band  leap  with  hope  and  courage.  Sullivan  had  con 
ducted  the  affair  with  great  skill ;  and  with  one  of 
his  magical  strokes,  Lafayette  turned  the  tide  of  pur 
suit,  while  his  ranks  poured  down  in  regular  files  to 
the  Ferry,  and  passed  safely  over  amid  the  acclama 
tions  of  their  comrades  upon  the  opposite  shore. 
Not  a  man  was  lost.  Thus  closed  the  expedition 
against  Newport.  It  was  undertaken  with  unusual 
promise,  and  its  unsuccessful  close  produced  a  pro 
portionate  chagrin.  The  cause  of  the  failure  was 
charged  entirely  upon  d'Estaing  throughout  the  coun 
try,  and  has  been  reiterated  by  succeeding  historians, 
who  have  accused  him  of  want  of  fidelity  to  the 
American  Flag.  We  have  endeavored  to  give  a 
faithful  and  fair  narration,  from  which  the  reader 
can  draw  his  own  inferences.  Our  own  opinion  is, 
that  the  accusation  has  no  foundation  whatever. 
Congress  passed  a  resolution  expressing  their  appro 
bation  of  the  Count's  conduct,  and  directed  the  Presi 
dent  to  assure  him  that  they  entertained  the  highest 
sense  of  his  zeal  and  attachment. 

The  conduct  of  Lafayette  met  with  universal  praise. 
He  received  many  testimonials  of  approbation,  but 
none  more  welcome  than  the  following  Resolution 
passed  by  Congress  on  the  9th  of  September  : 

"  RRSOLYKD,  That  Mr.  President  be  requested  to 
inform  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  that  Congress  have 


HO  r!LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

a  due  sense  of  the  sacrifice  he  made  of  his  personal 
feelings  in  undertaking  a  journey  to  Boston,  with  a 
view  of  promoting  the  interest  of  these  States,  at  a 
time  when  an  occasion  was  daily  expected  of  his  ac 
quiring  glory  in  the  field,  and  that  his  gallantry  in 
going  on  Rhode  Island,  when  the  greatest  part  of  the 
army  had  retreated,  and  his  good  conduct  in  bringing 
off  the  pickets  and  out  sentinels,  deserve  their  particu 
lar  approbation."  Mr.  Laurens,  who  was  then  Presi 
dent  of  Congress,  accompanied  this  resolution  with  the 
following  letter  : 

"PHILADELPHIA,  Sept.  13,  1778. 

"  SIR, —  I  experience  a  high  degree  of  satisfaction  in 
fulfilling  the  instructions  embraced  in  the  enclosed  act 
of  Congress  of  the  ninth  instant,  which  expresses  the 
sentiments  of  the  representatives  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  relative  to  your  excellent  conduct  during 
the  expedition  recently  undertaken  against  Rhode 
Island.  Receive,  Sir,  this  testimonial  on  the  part  of 
Congress  as  a  tribute  of  respect  and  gratitude,  offered 
to  you  by  a  free  people. 

"  1  have  the  honor  to  be  with  very  great  respect  and 
esteem,  Sir,  your  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 
"  HENRY  LAURENS,  President" 

Lafayette  replied  as  follows  : 

"CAMP,  Sept.  23,  1778. 

"  SIR, —  I  have  just  received  the  letter  of  the  13th 
instant  with  which  you  have  favored  me,  and  in  which 
you  communicate  the  honor  which  Congress  has  been 
pleased  to  confer  by  the  adoption  of  its  flattering  resolu 
tion.  Whatever  sentiments  of  pride  may  be  reason- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTJt  111 

ably  excited  by  such  marks  of  approbation,  I  am  not 
the  less  sensible  of  the  feelings  of  gratitude,  nor  of  the 
satisfaction  of  believing  that  my  efforts  have,  in  some 
measure,  been  considered  as  useful  to  a  cause  in  which 
my  heart  is  so  deeply  interested.  Have  the  goodness, 
Sir,  to  present  to  Congress  my  unfeigned  and  humble 
thanks,  springing  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  and 
accompanied  with  the  assurances  of  my  sincere  and 
perfect  attachment,  as  the  only  homage  worthy  of 
being  offered  to  the  representatives  of  a  free  people. 

"From  the  moment  that  I  first  heard  the  name  of 
America,  I  loved  her;  —  from  the  moment  that  I 
learned  her  struggles  for  liberty,  I  was  inflamed  with 
the  desire  of  shedding  my  blood  in  her  cause  ;  and  the 
moments  that  may  be  expended  in  her  service,  when 
ever  they  may  occur,  or  in  whatever  part  of  the  world 
I  may  be,  shall  be  considered  as  the  happiest  of  my 
existence.  I  feel  more  ardently  than  ever,  the  desire 
of  deserving  the  obliging  sentiments  with  which  I  am 
honored  by  the  United  States,  and  by  their  representa 
tives,  and  the  flattering  confidence  which  they  have 
been  pleased  to  repose  in  me,  has  filled  my  heart  with 
the  liveliest  gratitude  and  most  lasting  affection." 

After  the  retreat,  Lafayette  wTas  entrusted  by  Sulli 
van  with  the  care  of  Warren,  Bristol,  and  the  eastern 
shore  of  Rhode  Island.  From  the  camp  he  writes  to 
Washington.  "  I  am  to  defend  a  country  with  a  very 
few  Iroops,  who  are  not  able  to  defend  more  than  a 
single  point.  I  cannot  answer  that  the  enemy  will  not 
go  and  do  what  they  please  —  for  I  am  not  able  to  pre 
vent  them — with  only  a  part  of  their  army,  and  yet 


112  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

this  part  must  not  land  far  from  me  ;  but  I  answer, 
that  if  they  come  with  equal  or  not  very  superior  forces 
to  those  1  may  collect,  we  shall  flog  them  pretty  well  ; 
at  least  I  hope  so.  My  situation  appears  to  be  uncer 
tain,  for  we  expect  soon  to  hear  from  your  excellency. 
You  know  Mr.  Touzard,  a  gentleman  of  my 
family — he  met  with  a  terrible  accident  in  the  last 
action.  With  the  greatest  excess  of  bravery,  he  ran 
before  all  the  others  to  take  a  piece  of  cannon  in  the 
midst  of  the  enemy,  when  he  was  immediately  covered 
with  their  shots,  had  his  horse  killed,  and  his  right  arm 
shattered  to  pieces.  He  was  happy  enough  not  to  fall 
into  their  hands,  and  his  life  is  not  despaired  oft'.  Con 
gress  was  going  to  send  him  a  commission  of  Major. 

"  Give  me  joy,  my  dear  General,  I  intend  to  have  your 
picture.  Mr.  Hancock  has  promised  me  a  copy  of  the 
one  he  has  in  Boston.  He  gave  one  to  Count  d'  Estaing, 
and  I  never  saw  a  man  so  glad  at  possessing  his  sweet 
heart's  picture  as  the  Admiral  was  to  receive  yours.'' 

The  reply  of  Washington  is  interesting  and  we  ex 
tract  the  following.  "  The  sentiments  of  affection  and 
attachment  which  breathe  so  conspicuously  in  all  your 
letters  to  me,  are  at  once  pleasing  and  honorable,  and 
afford  me  abundant  cause  to  rejoice  at  the  happiness 
of  my  acquaintance  with  you.  Your  love  of  liberty, 
the  just  sense  you  entertain  of  this  valuable  blessing, 
and  your  noble  and  disinterested  exertions  in  the  cause 
of  it,  added  to  the  innate  goodness  of  your  heart,  con 
spire  to  render  you  dear  to  me;  —  and  I  think  myself 
happy  in  being  linked  with  you  in  honds  of  the  strictest 
friendship. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  113 

"  The  ardent  zeal  which  you  have  displayed  during 
the  whole  course  of  the  campaign  to  the  eastward,  and 
your  endeavors  to  cherish  harmony  among  the  officers 
of  the  allied  powers,  and  to  dispel  those  unfavorable 
impressions  which  had  begun  to  take  place  in  the 
minds  of  the  unthinking,  from  misfortunes,  which  the 
utmost  stretch  of  human  foresight  could  not  avert,  de 
served,  and  now  receive,  my  particular  and  warmest 
thanks,  I  am  sorry  for  Mons.  Touzard's  loss  of  an 
arm  in  the  action  on  Rhode  Island;  —  and  offer  my 
thanks  to  him,  through  you,  for  his  gallant  behavior  on 
that  day. 

"  Could  I  have  conceived  that  my  picture  had  been 
an  object  of  your  wishes,  or  in  the  smallest  degree 
worthy  of  your  attention,  I  should,  while  Mr.  Peale 
was  in  the  camp  at  Valley  Forge,  have  got  him  to  take 
the  best  portrait  of  me  he  could,  and  presented  it  to 
you;  —  but  I  really  had  not  so  good  an  opinion  of  my 
own  worth,  as  to  suppose  that  such  a  compliment 
would  not  have  been  considered  as  a  greater  instance, 
of  my  vanity,  than  means  of  your  gratification;  and, 
therefore,  when  you  requested  me  to  sit  to  Monsieur 
Lanfang,  I  thought  it  was  only  to  obtain  the  outlines 
and  a  few  shades  of  my  features,  to  have  some  prints 
struck  from." 

Lafayette's  position  at  Bristol  was  ill-suited  to  his 
nature.  He  had,  indeed,  to  be  incessantly  engaged, 
but  it  was  not  the  kind  of  activity  he  liked.  To  de 
fend  himself  and  the  surrounding  country  from  the 
marauding  attacks  of  British  squadrons,  was  not 
enough  for  him.  His  force  did  not  allow  him  to  make 


114  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

a  heavy  blow,  and  skirmishes,  which  could  give  no  ad 
vantage  to  either  side,  were  uninviting.  News  reached 
him  of  important  transactions  in  France  which  re 
kindled  his  flagging  excitement.  Advices  from  the  Duke 
d'  Ayen,  his  father-in-law,  apprised  him  that  the  min 
istry  were  planning  a  descent  upon  England;  and  cre 
ated  an  intense  desire  to  revisit  his  country.  "  My  great 
object  in  wishing  to  return,"  he  writes  d'  Ayen,  '*  is 
the  idea  of  a  descent  upon  England.  I  should  consider 
myself  as  almost  dishonored,  if  I  were  not  present  at 
such  a  moment.  I  should  feel  so  much  regret  and 
shame,  that  I  should  be  tempted  to  drown  or  hang 
myself  according  to  the  English  mode.  My  greatest 
happiness  would  be  to  drive  them  from  this  country, 
and  then  to  repair  to  England,  serving  under  your 
command.  This  is  a  very  delightful  project;  —  God 
grant  it  may  be  realized."  Other  causes  conspired  to 
foster  his  intention.  The  difficulties  here  were  excitino-. 

o" 

and  he  feared  the  influence  of  the  exaggerated  reports 
which  might  reach  the  French  court.  lie  wished, 
moreover,  to  see  the  alliance  placed  upon  a  firmer 
basis,  and  believed  that  his  influence  would  be  conducive 
to  this  consummation.  His  heart  too,  throbbed  with  a 
gentler  sympathy  as  he  thought  of  his  wife  and  child, 
and  distant  home.  A  hasty  visit  to  d'  Estaing  at  Bos 
ton,  settled  his  purpose;  for  he  there  saw  that  there 
were  weighty  matters  affecting  the  interests  of  both 
nations  which  he  could  best  lay  before  the  ministry  in 
person.  Returning  to  Bristol  he  solicited  permission 
to  visit  the  Commander-in-Chief  at  Head  Quarters,  to 
consult  with  him  respecting  his  intended  absence.  Per- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  115 

mission  was  accordingly  granted,  and  Lafayette  re 
paired  to  his  revered  friend  at  Fishkill.  Washington, 
from  motives  of  unfeigned  friendship,  as  well  as  from  a 
regard  to  his  country's  good,  was  very  desirous  of  pre 
serving  Lafayette's  connection  with  the  army,  and  ac 
cordingly,  while  he  made  no  objections  to  his  departure, 
advised  him  to  solicit  from  Congress  an  unlimited  leave 
of  absence,  rather  than  to  present  his  resignation. 
The  following  letter  upon  the  subject  was  written  to 
the  President  of  Congress. 

"HEAD  QUARTERS,  October  6,   1778. 

"SiR, —  This  letter  will  be  presented  to  you  by  Major 
General  Lafayette.  The  generous  motives  w?hich 
formerly  induced  him  to  cross  the  ocean,  and  serve 
in  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  are  known  to 
Congress.  The  same  praise-worthy  reasons  now  urge 
him  to  return  to  his  native  country,  which,  under 
existing  circumstances,  has  a  claim  to  his  services. 

"  However  anxious  he  was  to  fulfill  the  duty  which 
he  owes  to  his  King  and  country,  that  powerful  con 
sideration  could  not  induce  him  to  leave  this  conti 
nent,  while  the  fate  of  the  campaign  remains  unde 
cided.  He  is,  therefore,  determined  to  remain  until 
the  termination  of  the  present  campaign,  and  takes 
advantage  of  the  present  cessation  from  hostilities  to 
communicate  his  designs  to  Congress,  so  that  the 
necessary  arrangements  may  be  made  at  a  convenient 
season,  while  he  is  at  hand,  if  occasion  should  offer, 
to  distinguish  himself  in  the  army. 

"  At  the  same  time,  the  Marquis,  being  desirous 
of  preserving  his  connection  with  this  country,  and 


116  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

hoping  that  he  may  enjoy  opportunities  of  being  use 
ful  to  it,  as  an  American  officer,  only  solicits  leave 
of  absence,  for  the  purpose  of  embracing  the  views 
which  have  been  already  suggested.  The  pain  which 
it  costs  me  to  separate  from  an  officer  who  possesses 
all  the  military  fire  of  youth,  with  a  rare  maturity 
of  judgment,  would  lead  me,  if  the  choice  depended 
on  my  wishes,  to  place  his  absence  on  the  footing 
which  he  proposes.  I  shall  always  esteem  it  a  plea 
sure  to  be  able  to  give  those  testimonials  of  his  ser 
vice  to  which  they  are  entitled,  from  the  bravery 
and  conduct  which  have  distinguished  him  on  every 
occasion  ;  —  and  I  do  not  doubt  that  Congress  will, 
in  a  proper  manner,  express  how  sensibly  they  appre 
ciate  his  merits,  and  how  much  they  regret  his  de 
parture.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

"  GEORGE  WASHINGTON." 

Bearing  this  letter.  Lafayette  proceeded  to  Phila 
delphia,  whence  he  addressed  the  following  to  the 
President  of  Congress  : 

"PHILADELPHIA,  October  13,  1778. 

"  SIR,  —  However  attentive  I  ought  to  be  not  to 
employ  the  precious  moments  of  Congress  in  the  con 
sideration  of  private  affairs,  I  beg  leave,  with  that 
confidence  which  naturally  springs  from  affection  and 
gratitude,  to  unfold  to  them  the  circumstances  in  which 
I  am,  at  present,  situated.  It  is  impossible  to  speak 
more  appropriately  of  the  sentiments  which  attach  me 
to  my  own  country,  than  in  the  presence  of  citizens 
who  have  done  so  much  for  their  own.  So  long  as  I 
have  had  the  power  of  regulating  my  own  actions,  it 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  117 

has  been  my  pride  and  pleasure  to  fight  beneath  the 
banners  of  America,  in  the  defence  of  a  cause,  which  I 
may  dare  more  particularly  to  call  ours,  as  1  have  shed 
my  blood  in  its  support. 

**  Now,  Sir,  that  France  is  engaged  in  war,  I  arn 
urged,  both  by  duty  and  patriotism,  to  present  myself 
before  my  sovereign,  to  know  in  what  manner  he  may 
be  pleased  to  employ  my  services.  The  most  pleasing 
service  that  I  can  render,  will  be  that  which  enables 
me  to  serve  the  common  cause,  among  those  whose 
friendships  I  have  had  the  happiness  to  obtain,  and  in 
whose  fortunes  I  participated,  when  your  prospects 
were  less  bright  than  they  now  are.  This  motive, 
together  with  others  which  Congress  will  properly  ap 
preciate,  induce  me  to  request  permission  to  return  to 
my  own  country  in  the  ensuing  winter.  So  long  as  a 
hope  remained  of  an  active  campaign,  I  never  indulged 
the  idea  of  leaving  the  army,  —  but  the  present  state 
of  peace  and  inaction,  leads  me  to  prefer  to  Congress 
this  petition.  If  it  should  be  pleased  to  grant  my 
request,  the  arrangements  for  my  departure  shall  be 
taken  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  result  of  the  campaign 
shall  be  known  before  they  are  put  in  execution.  I 
enclose  a  letter  from  his  Excellency,  General  Wash 
ington,  consenting  to  the  leave  of  absence  which  I  wish 
to  obtain.  I  flatter  myself  that  you  will  consider  me 
as  a  soldier  on  leave  of  absence,  ardently  wishing  to 
rejoin  his  colors  as  well  as  his  beloved  comrades.  If, 
when  I  return  to  the  midst  of  my  fellow  citizens,  it  is 
believed  that  I  can,  in  any  manner,  promote  the  pros 
perity  of  America,  —  if  my  most  strenuous  exertions 


118  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

can  promise  any  useful  results,  I  trust,  Sir,  that  I  shall 
always  be  considered  as  the  man  who  has  the  prospe 
rity  of  the  United  States  most  at  heart,  and  who  enter 
tains  for  their  representatives  the  most  perfect  love  and 
esteem.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c., 

"  LAFAYETTE." 

Congress  acceded  promptly  to  this  request.  They 
not  only  had  a  too  high  regard  for  the  Marquis  to  re 
fuse  him,  but  they  well  knew  that  his  vast  influence 
would  be  exerted  at  the  court  of  Versailles  wholly  in 
their  favor,  and  in  the  present  state  of  affairs  this  was 
a  consideration  not  to  be  disregarded.  On  the  2 1st, 
resolutions  were  passed  by  Congress,  which  were  com 
municated  to  Lafayette  by  the  President  in  the  follow 
ing  manner  : 

"  PHILADELPHIA,  October  24,  1778. 

"  SIR, — I  had  the  honor  of  presenting  to  Congress 
your  letter,  soliciting  leave  of  absence,  and  I  am  directed 
by  the  house  to  express  their  thanks  for  your  zeal  in 
promoting  that  just  cause  in  which  they  are  engaged, 
and  for  the  disinterested  services  you  have  rendered  to 
the  United  States  of  America.  In  testimony  of  the 
high  esteem  and  affection  in  which  you  are  held  by  the 
good  people  of  these  states,  as  well  as  in  acknowledg 
ment  of  your  gallantry  and  military  talents,  displayed 
on  many  signal  occasions,  their  representatives  in  Con 
gress  assembled  have  ordered  an  elegant  sword  to  be 
presented  to  you  by  the  American  minister  at  the  court 
of  Versailles. 

"  Enclosed  within  the  present  cover  will  be  found  an 
act  of  Congress  of  the  21st  instant,  authorizing  these 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  119 

declarations,  and  granting  a  furlough  for  your  return 
to  France,  to  be  extended  at  your  own  pleasure.  I 
pray  God  to  bless  and  protect  you,  Sir  ;  to  conduct 
you  in  safety  to  the  presence  of  your  prince,  and  to 
the  re-enjoyment  of  your  family  and  friends.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  &c., 

HENRY  LAURF.NS,  President'' 

The  resolutions  referred  to  were  as  follows  : 

1778,  IN  CONGRESS,  OCTOBER  21sT,  RESOLVED. — 
That  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  Major-General  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  have  leave  to  go  to 
France,  and  that  he  return  at  such  time  as  shall  be 
most  convenient  to  him. 

"RESOLVED, —  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to 
the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  returning  him  the  thanks  of 
Congress  for  that  disinterested  zeal  which  led  him  to 
America,  and  for  the  services  he  has  rendered  to  the 
United  Slates,  by  the  exertion  of  his  courage  and 
abilities  on  many  signal  occasions. 

"  RESOLVED, —  That  the  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of 
the  United  States  of  America  at  the  court  of  Versailles, 
be  directed  to  cause  an  elegant  sword,  with  proper  de 
vices,  to  be  made  and  presented  in  the  name  of  the 
United  States  to  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette. 

"  OCTOBER,  22o,  RESOLVED,  —  That  the  following 
letter  of  recommendation  of  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette 
be  written  to  the  King  of  France  : 

"To  our  great,  faithful,  and  beloved  friend  and  ally, 
Louis  the  Sixteenth,  King  of  France  and  Navarre  : 

"The  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  having  obtained  our 
leave  to  return  to  his  native  country,  we  could  not 


120  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

suffer  him  to  depart  without  testifying  our  deep  sense 
of  his  zeal,  courage,  and  attachment.  We  have  ad 
vanced  him  to  the  rank  of  Major-General  in  our  armies, 
which,  as  well  by  his  prudent  as  spirited  conduct,  he 
has  manifestly  merited.  We  recommend  this  young 
nobleman  to  your  majesty's  notice,  as  one  whom  we 
know  to  be  wise  in  council,  gallant  in  the  field,  and 
patient  under  the  hardships  of  war.  His  devotion  to 
his  sovereign  has  led  him  in  all  things  to  demean  him 
self  as  an  American,  acquiring  thereby  the  confidence 
of  these  United  States,  your  good  and  faithful  friends 
and  allies,  and  the  affection  of  their  citizens.  We  pray 
God  to  keep  your  Majesty  in  His  holy  protection. 

"  Done  at  Philadelphia,  the  2*2d  day  of  October, 
1778,  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  North 
America,  your  good  friends  and  allies. 

"  HENRY  LAURENS,  President" 

In  a  becoming  manner  Lafayette  acknowledged  these 
testimonials,  and  after  some  days  spent  at  Philadelphia 
in  busy  consultations  upon  his  mission,  he  started  for 
Boston  on  horseback,  to  meet  the  vessel  fitted  out  for 
his  passage.  At  Fishkill,  which  was  near  the  American 
camp,  a  severe  illness  awaited  him.  An  inflammatory 
fever,  induced  by  his  recent  fatigues  and  excitement, 
brought  him  to  the  borders  of  the  grave.  For  a  time 
his  life  was  despaired  of,  and  he  himself  gave  up  the 
hope  of  recovery.  No  record  is  left  us  of  his  view  of 
eternity,  while  its  awful  portals  seemed  opening  before 
him,  and  we  cannot  learn  what  were  his  emotions, 
interesting  as  such  experience  would  be.  General 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  121 

Washington  watched  over  him  with  the  solicitude  of  a 
father.  The  best  medical  attendance  was  bestowed 
upon  him,  and  through  a  kind  Providence  his  life  was 
preserved.  A  universal  gloom  spread  over  the  army 
during  the  dangerous  moments  of  his  illness,  which 
gave  place  to  lively  demonstrations  of  joy  at  the  first 
fair  prospect  of  a  favorable  issue  to  the  disease.  A 
gentleman  who  visited  him  at  Fishkill  during  his  re 
covery,  thus  describes  his  personal  appearance  at  that 
time:  "Visited  my  friends  at  Fishkill,  and  by  the 
request  of  Colonel  Gibson,  I  waited  on  the  Marquis 
de  Lafayette.  The  Colonel  furnished  me  with  a  letter 
of  introduction,  and  his  compliments,  with  inquiries  re 
specting  the  Marquis'  health.  I  was  received  by  this 
nobleman  in  a  polite  and  affable  manner.  He  is  just 
recovering  from  a  fever,  and  is  in  his  chair  of  conva 
lescence.  He  is  nearly  six  feet  high,  large,  but  not 
corpulent,  being  not  more  than  twenty-one  years  of 
age.  He  is  not  very  elegant  in  his  form,  his  shoulders 
being  broad  and  high,  nor  is  there  a  perfect  symm^try 
in  his  features  ;  his  forehead  is  remarkably  high,  his 
nose  large  and  long,  eyebrows  prominent  and  project 
ing  over  a  fine  animated  hazel  eye.  His  countenance 
is  interesting  and  impressive.  He  converses  in  broken 
English,  and  displays  the  manners  and  address  of  an 
accomplished  gentleman.  Considering  him  a  French 
nobleman  of  distinguished  character,  and  a  great  favor 
ite  of  General  Washington,  I  feel  myself  highly  honored 
by  this  interview."  As  soon  as  he  was  able,  Lafayette 
took  leave  of  Washington,  and  resumed  his  journey 
early  in  December.  Reaching  Boston  on  the  llth  of 


122  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

that  month,  he  found  the  ship  in  which  he  was  to  sail, 
not  yet  ready  for  sea. 

Meanwhile,  he  was  sedulously  employed  in  prelimi 
naries  bearing  upon  the  interests  of  both  his  native  and 
adopted  land.  Never  was  Lafayette  more  worthy  to 
be  called  "  the  man  of  two  worlds,"  than  when,  on  the 
llth  February,  1779,  he  sailed  from  Massachusetts 
Bay  for  his  beloved  France,  bearing  upon  his  great 
heart  the  welfare  and  honor  of  a  modern  republic,  and 
an  ancient  kingdom. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

LETTER  TO  WASHINGTON— THE  VOYAGE— STORM  AND  CONSPIRACY— ARRIVAL  IN 
FRANCE  — RECEPTION  — POLITICAL  QUARANTINE  — LAFAYETTE   is   ADMITTED 

TO  THE  ROYAL  PRESENCE  AND  FAVOR  —  HlS  POPULARITY  —  HlS  LABORS  IN 
BEHALF  OF  FRANCE  AND  AMERICA — LETTER  TO  PRESIDENT  LAURENS  —  PRB' 
SENTATION  OF  THE  SWORD  TO  LAFAYETTE  —  DR.  FRANKLIN'S  LETTER  AND 

LAFAYETTE'S  REPLY — LAFAYETTE  AND  THE  MINISTRY  —  SUCCESS  AT  LAST  — 
PROPOSED  PLAN  OF  AID — LAFAYETTE  SAILS  FOR  BOSTON — ARRIVAL  AND  LET 
TER  TO  GENERAL  WASHINGTON — RECEPTION  AT  BOSTON  —  REPAIRS  TO  HEAD 
QUARTERS  —  GOES  TO  PHILADELPHIA — SITUATION  OF  THE  ARMY  —  WASHING 
TON —  LETTERS  —  DESIGNS  UPON  NEW  YORK  —  ARRIVAL  OF  THE  FRENCH 
FLEET  —  LAFAYETTE  AT  NEW  YORK  —  HEAD  QUARTERS. 

The  Marquis  wrote  the  following  farewell  to  Wash 
ington. 

"On  board  the  ALLIANCE  off  BOSTON,  Jan.  11,  1779. 

"  The  sails  are  just  going  to  be  hoisted,  my  dear 
General,  and  I  have  but  time  to  take  my  last  leave  of 
you.  I  may  now  be  certain  that  Congress  did  not  in 
tend  to  send  any  thing  more  to  me.  The  navy  board 
and  Mr.  Nevil  write  me  this  morning  from  Boston, 
that  the  North  River  is  passable,  and  that  a  gentleman 
from  camp  says,  he  did  not  hear  of  any  thing  like  an 
express  for  me.  All  agree  for  certain  that  Congress 
think  I  am  gone,  and  that  the  sooner  I  go  the  better. 

"  Farewell  my  dear  General.  I  hope  your  French 
friend  will  ever  be  dear  to  you.  I  hope  I  shall  soon 
see  you  again,  and  tell  you  myself  with  what  emotion 
I  now  leave  the  coast  you  inhabit,  and  with  what  affec 
tion  and  respect  I  am  forever,  my  dear  General,  your 
respectful  and  sincere  friend, — LAFAYETTE." 


124  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

The  voyage  was  not  without  its  incidents  and  its 
perils.  It  was  an  inclement  season  and  they  encoun 
tered  a  terrible  storm  when  off  the  Banks  of  New 
foundland.  The  frigate,  unconscious  of  the  treasure 
it  bore,  reeled  to  the  gale,  and  was  tossed  like  a 
feather  upon  the  mad  waters.  So  violent  was  the 
tempest  that  as  night  settled  down  upon  the  vessel 
already  half  filled  with  water,  and  with  the  main  top 
mast  blown  away,  few  even  of  the  crew  expected  to 
see  the  morning  alive.  When  it  dawned,  the  ship 
rolled  upon  the  heavy  swells  a  dismantled  hulk,  but 
the  heavens  were  calm  again,  and  the  inmates  of  the 
Alliance  safe.  Another  danger,  however,  awaited  the 
Marquis.  While  the  bark  was  getting  ready  for  sea, 
a  great  difficulty  had  been  found  in  procuring  sailors. 
D'  Estaing,  from  whom  Lafayette  hoped  to  obtain  them, 
had  sailed  from  Boston  before  the  Marquis'  arrival. 
After  much  difficulty,  the  number  required  was  made 
up  by  accepting  several  English  and  Irish  deserters 
and  prisoners,  who  had  offered  their  services.  It  was  a 
strange  rough  set  that  were  thus  brought  together,  but 
they  were  the  best  that  could  be  found,  and  were  neces 
sarily  taken.  They  had  most  of  them  been  engaged 
in  the  war,  and  their  sympathies  were  enlisted  in  the 
royal  cause.  The  presence  of  Lafayette  did  not  awe 
these  seamen,  but  excited  them  the  more.  By  a  recent 
proclamation  they  would  be  entitled  to  the  ship,  could 
they  bring  it  into  an  English  port,  and  they  had  hardly 
recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  storm,  when  a  plan 
was  formed  to  murder  all  on  board  except  Lafayette, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  125 

and.  taking  the  vessel  to  England,  surrender  him  as  a 
prisoner  of  sufficient  rank  to  be  exchanged  for  General 
Burgoyne.  When  the  frigate  had  arrived  within  two 
hundred  leagues  of  the  coast  of  France,  this  plot  was 
matured  and  a  day  and  hour  set  for  its  execution. 
But  before  the  time  arrived  the  secret  was  discovered. 
It  had  been  revealed  to  an  American  sailor  who  was 
promised  the  command  of  the  ship  if  he  would  engage 
in  it.  Feigning  assent  for  a  time,  he  watched  for  a 
favorable  opportunity,  and  disclosed  the  whole  plot  to 
the  Marquis,  who  immediately  caused  thirty-one  of 
the  mutineers  to  be  placed  in  irons  for  the  rest  of  the 
voyage.  The  promptness  and  energy  with  which  La 
fayette  acted  upon  this  occasion  effectually  quelled  all 
disaffection,  and  secured  tranquillity. 

Lafayette  landed  at  Brest  in  February,  eight  days 
after  he  had  so  effectually  checked  the  sedition.  The 
gladness  with  which  he  was  welcomed  was  exceed 
ingly  flattering.  He  was  not  yet  twenty-two  years 
of  age,  but  his  splendid  career  had  already  given  him 
a  world-wide  reputation.  His  fame  had  spread  into 
every  city  and  hamlet  of  the  kingdom.  On  the  12th 
of  February  he  met  his  wife  and  family  at  Versailles, 
and,  in  the  rapture  of  their  re-union,  the  pain  of  their 
sad  separation  was  forgotten.  Proceeding  to  Paris,  he 
was  for  more  than  a  week  forbidden  the  king's  pre 
sence  as  a  penance  for  having  left  the  realm  in  disobe 
dience  to  his  commands.  This  " political  quarantine" 
was  soon  passed,  and  after  a  gentle  reproof  he  was 
admitted  to  the  palace,  and  restored  again  to  favor. 
He  immediately  busied  himself  in  the  accomplishing 


126  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  magnificent  plans  which  he  had  formed  for  the  bene 
fit  of  America.  He  was  almost  daily  closeted  with 
the  Prime  Minister,  the  Count  de  Vergennes,  astonish 
ing  that  old  statesman  by  the  comprehensiveness  of 
those  designs,  and  the  vigor  with  which  he  proposed 
to  execute  them.  In  the  descent  upon  England  which 
had  greatly  influenced  his  return,  he  was  impatient  to 
engage,  hoping  that,  if  successful,  it  might  close  the 
war,  and  bring  peace  at  the  same  time  to  both  France 
and  the  Colonies.  The  expedition  after  being  duly 
matured,  was  abruptly  abandoned  by  the  ministry,  and 
Lafayette  sought  a  new  channel  for  his  heroism.  Al 
though  no  regular  authority  had  been  delegated  to  him 
by  Congress,  yet  he  set  himself  assiduously  at  work, 
to  solicit  for  their  army  assistance  in  men,  money,  and 
clothing.  So  intense  was  his  zeal,  that  he  offered  to 
pledge  his  entire  fortune  for  the  present  wants  of  the 
Republic.  He  proposed  to  the  Count  de  Vergennes  that 
four  ships  of  the  line  with  half  of  their  crews  should 
be  hired  for  one  year  for  the  service  of  the  United 
States,  and  that  it  should  be  done  in  the  name  of  the 
administration  ;  "and  as  for  the  necessary  funds,"  says 
he,  "  the  government  should  pledge  itself  only  in  case 
that  it  should  exceed  my  fortune  /"  A  loan  wrhich  the 
English  had  been  negotiating  in  Holland  was  suddenly 
broken  off,  and  Lafayette  immediately  besought  the 
ministry  to  secure  it.  Writing  to  de  Vergennes,  he 
presses  it  earnestly  upon  his  attention.  So  remarkable 
were  his  efforts,  while  he  was  unceasingly  active  for 
the  best  interests  of  his  own  nation,  that  no  one  won 
dered  at  his  success  abroad.  An  extensive  correspon- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  127 

dcnce  was  all  the  while  kept  up  with  his  friends  across 
the  Atlantic.  He  strove  to  heal  the  dissensions  which 
existed  between  some  of  these,  and  to  allay  the  party 
contests  which  began  to  embitter  the  national  councils. 
The  following  extracts  from  a  letter  which  he  wrote 
to  President  Laurens,  are  interesting  not  only  as  show 
ing  the  employment  of  the  Marquis  while  at  home,  but 
as  revealing  the  views  and  feelings  cherished  towards 
the  land  for  which  he  had  bled.  The  letter  is  dated 
at  St.  Jean  d'  Angely,  June  12th,  1779.  Alluding  to 
the  gratitude  and  love  which  he  bore  the  Americans,  he 
says  :  "  So  deeply  are  those  sentiments  engraven  upon 
my  heart,  that  I  every  day  lament  the  distance  which 
separates  me  from  them,  and  that  nothing  was  ever  so 
warmly  and  passionately  wished  for,  as  to  return  again 
to  that  country  of  which  I  shall  ever  consider  myself 
as  a  citizen.  There  is  no  pleasure  to  be  enjoyed  which 
could  equal  that  of  finding  myself  among  that  free  and 
liberal  nation,  by  whose  affection  and  confidence  I  am 
so  highly  honored  ;  —  to  fight  again  with  those  brother 
soldiers  of  mine  to  whom  I  am  so  much  indebted.  But 
Congress  knows  that  former  plans  have  been  altered 
by  themselves,  that  others  have  been  thought  impos 
sible,  as  they  were  asked  too  late  in  the  year.  I  will, 
therefore,  make  use  of  the  leave  of  absence  they  were 
pleased  to  grant  me,  and  serve  the  common  cause 
among  my  countrymen,  their  allies,  until  happy  cir 
cumstances  may  conduct  me  to  the  American  shores,  in 
such  a  way,  as  would  make  that  return  more  useful  to 
the  United  States.  The  affairs  of  America  I  shall  ever 
look  upon  as  my  first  business  while  I  am  in  Europe. 


128  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Any  confidence  from  the  King  and  ministers,  any  popu 
larity  I  may  have  among  my  own  countrymen,  any 
means  in  my  power  shall  be,  to  the  best  of  my  skill, 
and  to  the  end  of  my  life,  exerted  in  behalf  of  an  inte 
rest  I  have  so  much  at  heart.  What  I  have  hitherto 
done  or  said  relating  to  America  I  think  needless  to 
mention,  as  my  ardent  zeal  for  her  is,  I  hope,  well 
known  to  Congress  ;  —  but  I  wish  to  let  them  know  that 
if,  in  my  proposals,  and  in  my  repeated  urgent  repre 
sentation  for  getting  ships,  money,  and  support  of  any 
kind,  I  have  not  always  found  the  ministry  so  much  in 
earnest  as  I  was  myself,  they  only  opposed  to  me 
natural  fears  of  inconveniences  which  might  arise  to 
both  countries,  or  the  conviction  that  such  a  thing  was 
impossible  for  the  present ;  —  but  I  never  could  question 
their  good  will  towards  America.  If  Congress  believe 
that  my  influence  may  serve  them  in  any  w7ay,  I  beg 
they  will  direct  such  orders  to  me,  that  I  may  the  more 
certainly  and  properly  employ  the  knowledge  which  I 
have  of  this  court  and  country  for  obtaining  a  success 
in  which  my  heart  is  so  much  interested. 

"The  so  flattering  affection  which  Congress  and  the 
American  nation  are  pleased  to  honor  me  with,  makes 
me  very  desirous  of  letting  them  know, —  if  I  dare 
speak  so  friendly, —  how  I  enjoyed  my  private  situ 
ation.  Happy  in  the  sight  of  my  friends  and  family, 
after  I  was  by  your  attentive  goodness  safely  brought 
again  to  my  native  shore,  I  met  there  with  such  an 
honorable  reception,  with  such  kind  sentiments  as  by 
far  exceeded  any  wishes  I  durst  have  conceived.  I 
am  indebted  for  that  inexpressible  satisfaction  which 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  129 

the  good  will  of  my  countrymen  towards  me  affords 
to  my  heart,  to  their  ardent  love  for  America,  to  the 
cause  of  freedom  and  its  defenders,  their  new  allies, 
and  to  the  idea  which  they  entertain,  that  I  have  had 
the  happiness  to  serve  the  United  States.  To  these 
motives,  Sir,  and  to  the  letter  Congress  was  pleased  to 
write  on  my  account,  I  owe  the  many  favors  the  king 
has  conferred  upon  me.  Without  delay  I  was  ap 
pointed  to  the  command  of  his  own  regiment  of  dra 
goons,  and  every  thing  he  could  have  done,  every  thing 
I  could  have  wished,  I  have  received  on  account  of 
your  kind  recommendations. 

"  I  have  been  some  days  in  this  small  town,  near 
Rochefort  harbor,  where  I  have  joined  the  king's  regi 
ment,  and  where  other  troops  are  stationed,  which  I 
for  the  moment  command.  I  hope,  however,  to  leave 
this  place  ere  long,  in  order  to  play  a  more  active  part 
and  come  nearer  the  common  enemy.  Before  my 
departure  from  Paris,  I  sent  to  the  Minister  of  foreign 
affairs  —  who  is  one  of  our  best  friends  —  intelligence 
concerning  a  loan  in  Holland,  which  I  want  France  to 
make  or  answer  for  in  behalf  of  America ;  but  I  have 
not  yet  heard  the  result.  M.  le  Chevalier  de  la  Lu- 
zerne*  will  give  you  more  explicit  and  fresher  news, 
as  he  is  particularly  ordered  to  do  so,  and  he  sets  out 
directly  from  Versailles. 

"  Wherever  the  interests  of  beloved  friends  are 
seriously  concerned,  candid  and  wrarm  affection  knows 


*  The  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerae  was  the  second  minister  sent  out  by 
the  French  Government  to  the  United  States. 


130,  LITE  OF  GENERAL 

not  how  to  calculate  and  throws  away  all  considera 
tions.  I  will  frankly  tell  you,  Sir,  that  nothing  can 
more  effectually  hart  our  interest,  consequence,  and 
reputation  in  Europe  than  to  hear  of  disputes  or  divi 
sions  between  the  whigs.  Nothing  could  urge  my 
touching  upon  this  delicate  matter  but  the  unhappy 
experience  of  every  day  on  that  head,  since  I  can 
hear,  myself,  what  is  said  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  ; 
and  the  arguments  I  have  to  contend  with." 

During  the  month  of  August,  the  sword  which  had 
been  voted  him  by  Congress  was  finished.  "  It  was 
appropriately  devised  and  splendidly  executed  by  the 
best  artists.  The  knob  of  the  handle  exhibited  on  one 
side  a  shield,  with  Lafayette's  arms,  a  marquis7  coro 
net,  surmounted  by  a  streamer,  on  which  his  motto, 
cur  non,  was  inscribed.  On  the  other  side  was  a  me 
dallion,  representing  the  first  quarter  of  the  moon, 
whose  rays  were  shed  over  the  sea,  and  the  land  of  the 
American  continent,  which  is  seen  in  the  horizon.  In 
the  foreground,  was  the  coast  of  France,  surrounded 
by  a  scroll  on  which  were  inscribed  the  words  "  cres- 
cam  ut prosim"  in  reference  to  the  rising  liberty  and 
subsequent  prospects  of  the  country.  In  the  center 
of  the  handle  on  each  side,  were  two  oblong  medal 
lions.  The  first  represented  Lafayette  with  his 
sword  drawn,  and  his  foot  upon  the  prostrate  British 
lion,  in  the  attitude  of  inflicting  a  mortal  wound,  but 
pausing,  extending  his  hand,  and  inclind  to  spare  the 
life  of  his  victim.  On  the  other  medallion,  America 
was  represented  under  the  device  of  a  young  half-clad 
female,  seated  beneath  a  military  tent,  with  one  hand 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  131 

holding  up  her  broken  fetters,  and  with  the  other  pre 
senting  a  laurel  branch  to  Lafayette.  Other  devices, 
of  arms,  laurel  crowns,  &c.,  encircled  the  handle  and 
on  one  side  of  the  guard.  On  the  other'  were  the 
words  —  '  FROM  THE  AMERICAN  CONGRESS  TO  THE 
MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE,  1779.'  On  the  curved  parts 
of  the  guard  were  represented  in  medallions  four  me 
morable  events  of  the  American  war,  in  which  La 
fayette  acted  a  distinguished  part.  These  were  : 
1. —  THE  BATTLE  OF  GLOUCESTER;  2. —  RETREAT 
OF  BARREN  HILL  ;  3. —  BATTLE  OF  MONMOUTH  ; 
4. —  RETREAT  OF  RHODE  ISLAND." 

The  sword  was  presented  to  the  Marquis  at  Havre 
by  a  grandson  of  Dr.  Franklin,  accompanied  by  the 
following  letter  : 

"  PASSY,  August  24,  1779. 

"  SIR,  —  The  Congress,  sensible  of  your  merit  to 
wards  the  United  States,  but  unable  adequately  to 
reward  it,  determined  to  present  you  with  a  sword,  as 
a  small  mark  of  their  grateful  acknowledgment.  They 
directed  it  to  be  ornamented  with  suitable  devices. 
Some  of  the  principal  actions  of  the  war,  in  which  you 
distinguished  yourself  by  your  bravery  and  conduct, 
are,  therefore,  represented  upon  it.  These  with  a  few 
emblematic  figures,  all  admirably  well  executed,  make 
its  principal  value.  By  the  help  of  the  exquisite  artists 
France  affords,  I  find  it  easy  to  express  every  thing 
but  the  sense  we  have  of  your  worth,  and  our  obligations 
to  you.  For  this,  figures,  and  even  words  are  found 
insufficient.  I,  therefore,  only  add,  that  with  the  most 


132  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

perfect  esteem  and  respect,  I   have   the   honor  to  be 
your  obedient  servant,  B.  FRANKLIN." 

The  reply  of  Lafayette  is  fully  indicative  of  himself. 
It  is  as  follows  : 

"  HAVRE,  August  29,  1779. 

"  SIR,  —  Whatever  expectation  might  have  been 
raised  from  the  sense  of  past  favors,  the  goodness  of 
the  United  States  to  me  has  ever  been  such,  that  on 
every  occasion  it  far  surpasses  any  idea  I  could  have 
conceived.  A  new  proof  of  that  flattering  truth  I  find 
in  the  noble  present  which  Congress  has  been  pleased 
to  honor  me  with,  and  which  is  offered  in  such  a  man 
ner  by  your  excellency,  as  will  exceed  any  thing  but 
the  feelings  of  an  unbounded  gratitude. 

"  In  some  of  the  devices  I  cannot  help  finding  too 
honorable  a  reward  for  those  slight  services  which,  in 
concert  with  my  fellow  soldiers,  and  under  the  god-like 
American  hero's  orders,  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  ren 
der.  The  sight  of  those  actions,  where  I  was  a  witness 
of  American  bravery  and  patriotic  spirit,  I  shall  ever 
enjoy  with  that  pleasure  which  becomes  a  heart  glow 
ing  with  love  for  the  nation,  and  the  most  ardent  zeal 
for  its  glory  and  happiness.  Assurances  of  gratitude, 
which  I  beg  leave  to  present  to  your  excellency,  are 
much  too  inadequate  to  my  feelings,  and  nothing  but 
such  sentiments  can  properly  acknowledge  your  kind 
ness  towards  me.  The  polite  manner  in  which  Mr. 
Franklin  was  pleased  to  deliver  that  inestimable  sword, 
lays  me  under  great  obligations  to  him,  and  demands 
my  particular  thanks.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

"  LAFAYETTE." 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  133 

The  fidelity  of  Layfayette  to  the  stars  and  stripes 
was  conspicuous  every  where.  The  difficulties  among 
his  people  were  not  all  with  which  he  had  to  contend. 
Influences  were  spreading  in  America,  unfavorable  to 
receiving  the  aid  he  sought.  The  discord  between  the 
allies  had  awTakened  a  very  extensive  prejudice  in  this 
country,  against  the  employment  of  any  more  foreign 
troops.  Lafayette  was  not  ignorant  of  it ;  for,  like 
water  to  the  fire,  it  chilled  his  spirit.  Still  his  labors 
were  not  diminished.  He  saw  the  importance  of 
enlisting  France,  and,  though  in  the  attempt  he  met 
with  but  little  favor,  he  persevered.  But  the  popular 
feeling  \vas  so  strong  in  the  colonies,  that  before  he 
succeeded,  there  came  a  direct  injunction  from  Con 
gress,  that  he  should  not  ask  the  aid  of  land  forces  from 
his  government.  This  staggered  him  for  a  moment, 
but  his  comprehensive  mind  surveyed  the  whole  sub 
ject,  and  he  determined  to  proceed.  He  was  confident 
that  ere  long  Congress  would  view  the  matter  in  the 
same  light  that  he  did.  With  great  decision  he  there 
fore  continued  imploring  the  ministry.  The  king  at 
first  smiled  at  his  enthusiasm,  and  then  began  to  won 
der  at  his  unflagging  perseverance.  "  He  would  un- 
furnish  the  palace  of  Versailles  to  clothe  the  American 
army,"  said  M.  de  Maurepas  one  day,  and,  said  Lafay 
ette,  when  he  heard  of  it,  "  /  would  /"  He  solicited 
a  naval  armament,  and  a  large  supply  of  auxiliary 
troops  for  the  service,  and  was  inclined  to  take  no 
denial.  At  the  request  of  the*  Count  de  Vergennes,  he 
submitted  an  important  paper,  containing  his  views 
respecting  the  proposed  expedition.  He  states  its  im- 


134  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

portance  to  both  nations,  urges  it  as  a  matter  of  duty 
and  policy,  and  then  details  in  extended  terms  the  plan 
which  he  would  see  adopted.  In  conclusion,  he  says  : 
"  For  my  own  part,  you  know  my  sentiments,  and  you 
will  never  doubt  that  my  first  interest  is  to  serve  my 
country.  ]  hope  for  the  sake  of  the  public  good,  that 
you  will  send  troops  to  America.  I  shall  be  considered 
too  young,  I  presume,  to  take  the  command,  but  I  shall 
surely  be  employed.  If,  in  the  arrangement  of  this 
plan,  any  one,  to  whom  my  sentiments  are  less  known 
than  to  yourself,  in  proposing  for  me  either  the  com 
mand  or  some  inferior  commission,  should  assign  as  a 
reason,  that  I  should  thereby  be  induced  to  serve  my 
country  with  more  zeal,  either  in  council  or  in  action, 
I  take  the  liberty, —  putting  aside  the  minister  of  the 
King, —  to  request  M.  de  Vergennes  to  come  forward  as 
my  friend,  and  refuse,  in  my  name,  favors  bestowed 
from  motives  so  inconsistent  with  my  character." 

This  had  a  material  effect  upon  subsequent  affairs. 
The  attack  upon  England,  after  another  discussion,  was 
entirely  dismissed,  and  the  ministry  regarded  more 
favorably  Lafayette's  proposal.  His  first  suggestion 
was  the  combined  power  of  naval  and  land  forces  ;  but 
if  this  could  not  be  granted  immediately,  he  desired 
them  to  send  two  or  three  thousand  men  with  three 
hundred  dragoons  to  Boston,  to  act  with  the  army  till 
the  sea  force  could  be  got  in  readiness.  Early  in 
February,  1780,  a  plan  was  accepted  chiefly  in  accor 
dance  with  his  own  wishes.  An  army  was  to  be  fitted 
out,  and  dispatched  early  in  the  succeeding  April, 
under  command  of  Major-General  le  Compte  Rocham- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  135 

beau.  It  was  to  consist  of  six  ships  of  the  line  with  the 
necessary  transports,  which  were  to  take  out  six  thou 
sand  men  with  the  requisite  artillery  for  sieges  and  field 
service.  With  these  were  to  be  sent  large  supplies  of 
clothing,  arms,  and  munitions  of  war.  In  view  of  for 
mer  troubles  at  Rhode  Island  and  elsewhere,  Lafayette 
expressly  stipulated  that  the  troops  now  to  be  sent 
should  be  considered  as  auxiliaries  ;  that  they  should 
be  held  under  the  command  of  General  Washington, 
and  subjected  to  the  various  regulations  which  the 
American  officers  should  adopt.  Lafayette  had  not 
solicited,  and  did  not  expect,  a  command  in  this  expedi 
tion.  With  a  bounding  heart  he  received  his  instruc 
tions,  which  were  "  to  proceed  immediately  to  join 
General  Washington,  and  communicate  to  him  the 
secret,  that  the  King,  willing  to  give  the  United  States 
a  new  proof  of  his  affection  and  of  his  interest  in  their 
security,  is  resolved  to  send  to  their  aid,  at  the  opening 
of  the  spring,  six  vessels  of  the  line  and  six  thousand 
regular  troops  of  infantry."  It  was  a  glad  day  for  the 
Marquis  when  he  received  these  directions.  The  dar 
ling  wish  of  his  heart  was  gratified,  and  he  had  nothing 
farther  than  speedily  to  return  to  the  scene  of  his  con 
flicts  and  renown.  Taking  an  affectionate  leave  of 
Madame  Lafayette  and  his  family,  he  stepped  on  board 
the  French  frigate  Hermione,  and  sailed  from  Rochelle 
on  the  19th  of  March,  1780.  His  voyage  was  pleasant 
and  without  any  special  incident.  The  Hermione 
arrived  at  the  entrance  of  Boston  harbor  on  the  27th 
of  April  ;  and  before  landing,  thus  apprised  General 
Washington  of  his  approach  : 


136  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

"  AT  THE  ENTRANCE  OF  BOSTON  HARBOR, 
"April  27,  1780. 

"  Here  I  am,  my  dear  General,  and,  in  the  midst  of 
the  joy  I  feel  in  finding  myself  again  one  of  your  lov 
ing  soldiers,  I  take  but  the  time  to  tell  you  that  I  came 
from  France  on  board  a  frigate  which  the  King  gave 
me  for  my  passage.  I  have  affairs  of  the  utmost  im 
portance,  which  I  should  at  first  communicate  to  you 
alone.  In  case  my  letter  finds  you  any  where  this  side 
of  Philadelphia,  I  beg  you  will  wait  for  me,  and  do 
assure  you  a  great  public  good  may  be  derived  from 
it.  To-morrow  we  go  up  to  the  town,  and  the  day 
after  I  shall  set  off  in  my  usual  way  to  join  my  be 
loved  and  respected  friend  and  general." 

The  next  day  Lafayette  landed.  His  reception  was 
highly  flattering.  The  day  was  made  one  of  public 
rejoicing  ;  all  the  bells  in  the  city  rung  their  merry 
peals  over  the  inhabitants  flocking  to  the  shore,  to 
receive  their  generous  defender.  Amid  the  roar  of 
cannon,  the  enlivening  strains  of  military  music,  and 
the  loud  shouts  of  the  multitude,  he  was  escorted  to 
the  house  of  Gov.  Hancock,  which  had  been  arranged 
for  his  reception.  The  festivities  there  were  unattrac 
tive,  because  his  thoughts  were  with  Washington. 
Leaving  Boston,  he  hurried  to  headquarters,  and  no 
public  reception  was  ever  so  grateful  to  him  as  the 
warm  embrace  and  words  of  welcome  from  his  noble 
friend.  The  army  celebrated  his  arrival  with  public 
gratulations,  but  Washington's  smile  eclipsed  all  these 
rejoicings.  The  warm  friendship  which  subsisted  be 
tween  these  two  great  men  is  pleasing  to  contemplate. 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  137 

There  was  no  outward  display  of  affection  for  mere 
effect.  In  the  breast  of  each  was  a  fountain,  which, 
at  the  mention  of  the  other's  name,  would  overflow. 

The  news  brought  from  France  Lafayette  disclosed 
to  no  one,  till  he  saw  Washington.  The  tidings  were 
peculiarly  grateful  to  the  weary  heart  of  the  father  of 
his  country.  Pressed  by  the  burden  of  accumulated 
difficulties,  the  prospect  which  now  opened  before  him, 
gave  him  hope  of  a  speedy  relief  from  them  all.  The 
proposed  measures,  to  be  adopted  upon  the  arrival  of 
the  French  fleet,  were  discussed  by  Washington  and 
Lafayette,  and  then  the  Marquis  proceeded  to  Phila 
delphia.  On  his  arrival  there  he  was  greeted  with  the 
warmest  welcome.  Upon  the  13th  of  May  he  offered 
his  services  in  the  army,  to  Congress,  whereupon  the 
following  resolution  was  immediately  adopted  : 

"RESOLVED, —  That  Congress  consider  the  return 
of  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  to  America,  to  resume 
his  command,  as  a  fresh  proof  of  the  disinterested  zeal 
and  persevering  attachment  which  have  justly  recom 
mended  him  to  the  public  confidence  and  applause  ;  — • 
and  that  they  receive  with  pleasure  a  tender  of  the 
further  services  of  so  gallant  and  meritorious  an  offi 
cer." 

The  fleet  was  now  daily  expected,  and  the  two  he 
roes  began  to  busy  themselves  upon  a  plan  of  opera 
tions.  The  Commander-in-Chief  earnestly  hoped  that 
the  present  campaign  might  witness  a  termination  of 
the  war.  He  longed  to  be  permitted  to  lay  down  his 
sword  again,  and  now  that  France  had  promised  so 
largely  assistance,  he  anticipated  that  consummation. 


138  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Still  there  were  many  obstacles  in  the  way.  Difficul 
ties  surrounded  Washington  under  which  ordinary  men 
would  have  sunk  ;  but  his  great  soul  was  unmoved. 
No  gloom  or  danger  ever  shut  out  from  his  view  the 
bright  vision  of  future  peace  and  liberty.  Trials  thick 
ened,  but  the  hope  was  there.  New  obstacles  were 
continually  to  be  surmounted  ;  —  new  difficulties  were 
constantly  crossing  his  way,  but  his  path  was  onward, 
and  he  trod  it  with  an  unfaltering  footstep.  He  saw 
in  perils  only  clouds  hiding  the  sun  ;  and  though  at 
times  they  were  black  and  heavy,  yet  he  knew  that 
the  bright  orb  upon  which  his  faith  rested,  was  rolling 
radiantly  behind  them,  and  would  come  gloriously  forth 
from  obscurity,  lighting  up  a  wondering  world  with  its 
rays.  Washington  has  received  the  homage  of  the 
world,  and  needs  no  other  eulogy  than  a  simple  deli 
neation  of  his  character.  Among  the  brave  generals 
who  fought  around  him,  he  is  isolated  by  a  serene  ele 
vation  of  thought  and  action,  resembling  in  position  the 
solitary  grandeur  of  Niagara  upon  this  continent  of 
majestic  rivers.  Perhaps  there  never  was  a  man  who 
illustrated  the  balance  of  powers,  a  mental  and  moral 
harmony,  so  sublimely  as  himself.  His  entire  being 
obeyed  the  laws  designed  to  govern  it,  with  the  beau 
tiful  uniformity  with  which  the  tides  rise  and  fall, 
under  the  attractive  influence  of  the  spheres.  His 
patriotic  ardor  and  active  energies  were  always  within 
the  confines  of  sober  reason  and  an  enlightened  con 
science.  His  monument  will  adorn  the  capital  of  the 
Union,  but  a  hemisphere  is  consecrated  to  his  me 
mory,  and  his  name  has  reached,  like  a  spell-word, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  139 

the  darkest  despot  and  the  humblest  serf  of  remotest 
lands.  The  care  of  the  Cornmander-in-Chief  for  his 
troops  was  proverbial.  On  the  20th  of  June,  1780,  he 
writes  to  Congress,  giving  a  melancholy  account  of 
their  condition  at  this  time.  Many  of  them  were  des 
titute  of  shirts,  arid  almost  without  clothing  of  any 
description.  This  subject  he  urges  strongly,  as  he  had 
often  done  before,  upon  the  attention  of  Congress. 
"  For  the  troops  to  be  without  clothing  at  any  time," 
he  says,  "  is  highly  injurious  to  the  service,  and  dis 
tressing  to  our  feelings  ;  but  the  want  will  be  more 
peculiarly  mortifying  when  they  come  to  act  with 
those  of  our  allies.  If  it  be  possible,  I  have  no  doubt, 
immediate  measures  will  be  taken  to  relieve  their  dis 
tress. 

"  It  is  also  most  sincerely  wished  that  there  could  be 
some  supplies  of  clothing  furnished  to  the  officers. 
There  are  a  great  many  whose  condition  is  still  miser 
able.  This  is,  in  some  instances,  the  case  with  the 
whole  lines  of  the  States.  It  would  be  well  for  their 
own  sakes  and  the  public  good  if  they  could  be  fur 
nished.  They  will  not  be  able,  when  our  friends  come 
to  cooperate  with  us,  to  go  on  a  common  routine  of 
duty  ;  and  if  they  should,  they  must,  from  their  ap 
pearance,  be  held  in  low  estimation," 

"  This  picture,"  says  Marshall,  "  presents  in  strong 
colors  the  real  patriotism  of  the  American  army.  One 
heroic  effort,  though  it  may  dazzle  the  mind  with  its 
splendor,  is  an  exertion  most  men  are  capable  of  ma 
king  , — but  continued  patient  suffering  and  unremitting 
perseverance,  in  a  service  promising  no  personal  emolu- 


140  ILIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ment,  and  exposing  the  officer  unceasingly,  not  only  to 
wants  of  every  kind,  but  to  those  circumstances  of 
humiliation  which  seem  to  degrade  him  in  the  eyes  of 
others,  demonstrate  a  fortitude  of  mind,  a  strength  of 
virtue,  and  a  firmness  of  principle,  which  ought  never 
to  be  forgotten." 

This  condition  of  the  American  soldiers  was  also  an 
object  of  solicitude  to  Lafayette.  The  ladies  of  Phila 
delphia  started  a  subscription  and  made  large  donations 
in  aid  of  the  suffering,  to  which  the  Marquis,  in  the 
name  of  Madame  Lafayette,  generously  added  one 
hundred  guineas.  This,  however,  was  only  a  tempo 
rary  supply,  and  could  not  meet  the  real  wants  of  the 
destitute  troops.  Private  charities  and  individual  con 
tributions  are  not  adequate  to  the  necessities  of  a  pro 
tracted  revolution.  The  lamentable  insensibility  of 
Congress  to  the  real  condition  of  things,  and  the  failure 
to  adopt  suitable  measures  for  relief,  are  amazing. 
Numbers  who  composed  that  body,  seemed  to  have  a 
faint  conception  of  the  great  object  for  which  they 
were  struggling.  Hence  they  neglected  to  act  promptly 
and  nobly  in  its  accomplishment.  The  paper  currency 
of  the  nation  was  rapidly  depreciating  in  value,  and 
Congress  was  distracted  by  diverse  counsels,  and  time 
wasted  in  party  animosities  without  heeding  results. 
The  conduct  of  the  different  states  was  also  far  from 
what  it  should  have  been.  The  supplies  which  they 
agreed  to  furnish,  they  neglected  to  send,  or  would 
send  them  after  so  long  a  delay  that  half  their  benefit 
was  lost.  Washington  deeply  felt  this,  and  wrote  to 
Congress,  again  and  again,  upon  the  subject.  About 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  141 

the  time  of  the  last  letter  above  quoted,  he  writes 
thus;  —  "I  hope  the  period  has  not  yet  arrived,  which 
will  convince  the  different  states  by  fatal  experience, 
that  some  of  them  have  mistaken  the  true  situation  of 
this  country.  I  flatter  myself,  however,  that  we  may 
still  retrieve  our  affairs  if  we  have  but  a  just  sense  of 
them,  and  are  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  liberal  policy  and 
exertion  equal  to  the  emergency.  Could  we  once  see 
this  spirit  generally  prevailing,  I  should  not  despair  of 
a  prosperous  issue  of  the  campaign.  But  there  is  no 
time  to  be  lost.  The  danger  is  imminent  and  pres 
sing; —  the  obstacles  to  be  surmounted  are  great  and 
numerous;  and  our  efforts  must  be  instant,  unreserved, 
and  universal." 

The  French  fleet  was  delayed,  but  a  plan  of  action 
was  taken  which  was  to  go  into  execution  immediately 
upon  its  arrival.  It  was  the  wish  both  of  ^Washington 
and  Lafayette  to  make  an  attack  upon  New  York. 
With  a  wisdom,  which,  had  it  been  shown  at  first,  might 
have  brought  the  war  to  a  close  long  before,  Congress, 
instead  of  foolishly  attempting  to  guide  the  matter,  and 
laying  the  Cornmander-in-Chief  under  useless  and  irk 
some  restraints,  judiciously  empowered  him  "to  take 
such  measures  for  carrying  on  the  operations  of  the 
campaign  as  would  effectually  promote  the  purposes  in 
view."  The  attack  upon  New  York  was  accordingly 
determined  upon,  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the  French 
vessels  were  in  harbor. 

Preparations  for  the  reception  of  the  foreign  forces 
continued  through  the  month  of  June.  It  was  not  till 
the  10th  of  July  that  the  anxiously  expected  aid  an- 


142  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

chored  off  Newport.  To  the  disappointment  of  Wash 
ington,  this  was  only  a  part  of  the  promised  assistance. 
Five  thousand  five  hundred  men  were  sent,  leaving 
two  thousand,  with  all  the  arms,  munitions  of  war,  and 
clothing  promised  Lafayette,  to  follow  on  in  a  second 
division  of  the  armament.  The  delay  of  these  last 
mentioned  supplies  was  embarrassing.  Said  Wash 
ington  to  Lafayette  on  learning  it,  —  "  Unless  our  allies 
can  lend  us  largely,  we  can  attempt  nothing.  With 
every  effort  we  can  make,  we  shall  fall  short  four  or 
five  thousand  arms,  and  two  hundred  tons  of  powder." 

The  fleet  had  been  detained  in  France  till  the  2d  of 
May.  Meanwhile  the  enemy  against  which  it  was  to 
move  had  not  been  asleep;  nor  had  the  progress  of 
affairs  escaped  British  vigilance.  Before  they  were 
half  completed  the  English  ministry  understood  their 
object,  and  began  to  take  counter  measures.  Intelli 
gence  was  sent  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  that  a  French 
armament  was  fitting  out  for  the  American  service, 
and,  as  it  was  calculated  that  New  York  would  be  the 
first  place  of  attack,  he  was  ordered  to  take  special 
means  for  its  defense.  These  dispatches  reached  him 
in  time  to  enable  him  to  call  off  a  heavy  detachment 
from  South  Carolina,  which  arrived  just  before  the 
French  fleet  reached  Newport.  To  aid  him  further, 
an  additional  naval  force  was  dispatched  from  England 
which  was  expected. 

Soon  as  arrangements  could  be  made,  Lafayette  left 
Washington  for  Newport,  fully  commissioned  by  the 
Commander-in-Chief  to  arrange  with  the  Count  de 
Rochambeau,  such  prospective  movements  as  circum- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  143 

stances  should  suggest.  A  combined  attack  upon  New 
York  was  the  desire  of  both.  But,  before  the  Marquis 
reached  Newport,  news  had  reached  the  French  that 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  sailed  from  the  city,  with  a 
large  naval  and  land  force,  and  was  now  on  his  way 
to  attack  them.  When  Lafayette  arrived,  therefore, 
(July  25th,)  he  found  the  French  in  a  state  fitted  for 
defensive  rather  than  offensive  war.  The  troops  were 
disembarked  and  strongly  fortified  on  shore,  while  the 
fleet  stood  in  line,  to  cover  them.  General  Clinton 
upon  learning  this  did  not  venture  an  attack;  and  when 
this  immediate  danger  was  passed,  Lafayette  submitted 
to  de  Rochambeau  the  plan  of  a  united  advance  upon 
New  York.  The  Count  entered  into  it  with  zeal,  but 
was  disposed  to  wait  for  his  second  division,  before  de 
cisive  battle.  The  Marquis  with  energy  opposed  these 
views.  All  the  arguments  which  his  fertile  mind  sug 
gested  were  brought  to  bear  upon  the  Count.  The 
easy,  affable  and  engaging  way  in  which  he  presented 
them,  had  its  force,  but  de  Rochambeau  was  disposed 
to  act  with  extreme  caution.  While  in  this  attitude, 
he  preserved  harmony  between  the  allies,  determined 
to  avoid  the  disgraceful  difficulties  in  which  d'  Estaing 
had  been  involved.  On  the  31st  of  July  Lafayette 
wrote  to  Washington;  —  "The  French  army  hate  the 
idea  of  staying  here,  and  want  to  join  you.  They 
swear  at  those  who  speak  of  waiting  for  the  second 
division.  They  are  enraged  to  be  blockaded  in  this 
harbor.  As  to  the  dispositions  of  the  inhabitants  and 
our  troops,  and  the  dispositions  of  the  inhabitants  and 
the  militia  for  them,  they  are  such  as  I  may  wish. 


144  LIFE  OF  GENERAL' 

You  would  have  been  glad  the  other  day,  to  have  seen 
two  hundred  and  fifty  of  our  drafts,  that  came  on  from 
Connecticut  without  provisions  or  tents,  and  who  were 
mixed  in  such  a  way  with  the  French  troops,  that 
every  French  soldier  and  officer  took  an  American 
with  him,  and  divided  their  bed  and  their  supper  in  the 
most  friendly  manner. 

"  The  patience  and  sobriety  of  our  militia  is  so  much 
admired  by  the  French  officers,  that  two  days  ago  a 
French  Colonel  called  all  his  officers  together,  to  desire 
them  to  take  the  good  examples  which  were  given  to 
the  French  soldiers  by  the  American  troops.  So  far 
are  they  gone  in  their  admirations,  that  they  find  a 
great  deal  to  say  in  favor  of  General  Varnum,  and  his 
escort  of  militia  dragoons,  who  fill  up  all  the  streets  of 
Newport.  On  the  other  hand,  the  French  discipline  is 
such  that  chickens  and  pigs  walk  between  the  tents 
without  being  disturbed,  and  that  there  is  in  the  camp 
a  corn  field,  from  which  not  one  leaf  has  been  touched. 
The  Tories  don't  know  what  to  say  to  it." 

Rochambeau  still  desiring  to  wait  for  his  division, 
Washington  advised  Lafayette  not  to  urge  their  move 
ments.  "  I  would  not  wish  you,"  said  he,  "  to  press 
the  French  General  and  Admiral  to  any  thing  to  which 
they  show  a  disinclination,  especially  to  the  withdraw 
ing  of  their  troops  from  Rhode  Island  before  the  se 
cond  division  arrives  to  give  them  a  naval  superiority. 
Should  they  yield  to  importunity,  and  an  accident 
happen,  either  there  or  here,  they  would  lay  the  con 
sequences  to  us.  Only  inform  them  what  we  can  do, 
what  we  are  willing  to  undertake,  and  let  them  entirely 


&ARQTJIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  145 

consult  their  own  inclination  for  the  rest."  Accord 
ingly  Lafayette  ceased  his  importunity,  and  soon 
after  news  arrived  that  Clinton  had  received  a  fresh 
reinforcement,  thus  giving  him  a  decided  naval  supe 
riority  upon  the  coast.  A  plan  was  thereupon  formed 
by  him  of  a  joint  operation  with  his  land  and  sea  forces 
against  Newport,  and  six  thousand  troops  were  em 
barked  for  that  purpose.  Such  a  design  could  not 
escape  the  scrutiny  of  Washington,  who  lost  no  time 
in  dispatching  tidings  of  it  to  Newport,  and  in  prepa 
ring  for  a  great  emergency  himself.  Knowing  that  the 
force  which  Sir  Henry  had  taken  with  him  must 
greatly  weaken  the  garrison  left  in  New  York,  Wash 
ington  formed  the  bold  design  of  attacking  it.  Without 
delay  he  caused  his  army  to  move  forward  towards 
the  city  ;  but  his  high  hopes  of  success  were  dispelled, 
when  he  heard  that  Clinton,  not  venturing  an  assault, 
had  suddenly  returned  to  headquarters.  To  con 
tinue  the  descent  was  hopeless,  and  Washington  drew 
back  across  the  Hudson,  and  took  post  near  Orange- 
town. 

Tidings  soon  after  reached  Newport  that  the  antici 
pated  vessels  were  blockaded  in  the  port  of  Brest  by  a 
British  squadron.  This  news  was  soon  followed  by  the 
intelligence  that  Admiral  Rodney  had  sailed  from  Eng 
land  for  America,  with  eleven  ships  of  the  line  and  four 
frigates.  This  disconcerted  all  the  plans  of  the  allies, 
and  frustrated  the  hopes  they  had  cherished  at  the 
opening  of  the  campaign.  To  march  against  New 
York  was  now  out  of  the  question,  and  as  Lafayette 
could  see  nothing  but  inaction  before  him  at  Newport, 


146  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

he  solicited  and  obtained  permission  to  return  to  head 
quarters. 

Washington  received  the  Marquis  on  the  7th  of 
August,  and  invested  him  with  the  command  of  a  corps 
of  light  infantry,  which  he  had  collected  and  organized 
for  this  purpose.  It  was  a  fine  body  of  two  thousand 
men,  "  but,"  said  Washington,  "  the  greater  part  of 
them  are  without  clothing."  Lafayette  was  much 
pleased  with  them,  and  made  them  the  subjects  of  his 
customary  liberality.  He  clothed  the  soldiers  in  uni 
form,  and  presented  each  of  the  subordinate  officers  of 
the  corps  with  an  elegant  sword,  at  his  own  expense. 
Nothing  could  exceed  the  ardent  attachment  which  he 
immediately  won  from  them  all.  They  became  the 
pride  of  his  heart,  and  he  the  idol  of  their  affection. 
"  The  whole  army  indiscriminately  beloved  Lafayette, 
not  only  for  that  amiable  disposition,  and  those  charm 
ing  manners  which  characterized  him,  but  for  his  great 
gallantry  and  ardent  attachment  to  his  country.  The 
confidence  and  affection  of  the  troops  were,  to  him, 
invaluable  possessions  and  well  acquired  riches,  of 
which  no  one  could,  and  no  one  desired  to  deprive 
him  ;  and  he  always  expressed  by  his  air  and  counte 
nance,  that  he  was  happier  in  receiving  his  friends  at 
their  head  than  at  his  estate  in  Auvergne.  The  influ 
ence  and  consideration  which  he  acquired  among  the 
political,  as  well  as  the  military  body  were  highly 
flattering  to  a  young  man  of  his  mold,  and  it  is  confi 
dently  asserted  that  his  private  letters  have,  frequently, 
produced  more  effect  in  arousing  the  lethargy  of  some 
of  the  States,  than  the  strongest  exhortations  of  Con- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  147 

gress.  In  short,  he  possessed  in  so  high  a  degree  the 
character  of  an  accomplished  and  perfect  soldier,  as  to 
gain  the  confidence  of  his  superiors,  the  affection  of  his 
equals,  and  the  respect  and  veneration  of  all  who 
served  under  him.  It  is  no  trifling  compliment  to  say, 
that  next  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  the  intrepid 
Greene,  no  General  stood  higher  in  the  public  favor,  or 
more  constantly  commanded  the  admiration  of  the 
army  than  Lafayette." 

The  Marquis  now  busied  himself  in  arranging  an 
interview  between  General  Washington,  Count  de 
Rochambeau,  and  the  Chevalier  de  Ternay,  the  Ad 
miral  of  the  French  fleet.  This  was  earnestly  desired 
by  the  officers,  who  assured  Lafayette  that  they  could 
do  more  towards  arranging  operations  in  a  quarter  of 
an  hour's  conversation,  than  they  could  do  by  multi 
plied  dispatches.  "  I  will  do  all  that  depends  upon  me, 
gentlemen,"  replied  the  Marquis,  "  to  prevail  upon  the 
General  to  meet  you  half  way  ;  —  but  from  his  proxi 
mity  to  the  enemy,  and  from  the  present  situation  of 
the  army,  which  he  has  never  quitted  since  the  war,  I 
fear  it  will  appear  very  difficult  for  him  to  absent  him 
self."  Washington  was  unwilling  to  leave  for  a  day, 
but  at  length  consented  to  the  proposed  interview, 
hoping,  at  least,  that  it  might  contribute  to  strengthen 
the  bonds  of  union.  The  interview  was  agreed  upon, 
to  take  place  at  Hartford,  Conn,  on  the  20th  of  Sep 
tember  ;  and  three  days  previously,  Washington,  La 
fayette,  and  Gen.  Knox,  attended  by  an  imposing 
retinue,  left  the  American  camp  for  that  purpose.  No 
definite  order  of  things  was  settled  as  the  result  of  the 


148  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

interview,  but  it  had  a  favorable  influence  in  cementing 
personal  friendly  relations,  and  in  producing  harmoni 
ous  views  of  military  cooperation  between  the  French 
and  American  commanders. 


CHAPTER  V. 

TREASON  OF  ARNOLD— FATE  OF  ANDRE  —  WASHINGTON  IN  NEWPORT— LAFAY 
ETTE   IN    MARYLAND  —  MANCEUVRES  AND  OPERATIONS  THERE  —  DESTITUTION 

OF  THE  SOLDIERS  —  GENEROSITY  OF  THE  MARQUIS  —  LAFAYETTE  IN  VIRGINIA- 
PHILLIPS  AND  THE  TRAITOR  —  CORNWALLIS  ARRIVES,  AND  TAKES  THE  SUPREMB 

COMMAND  OF  THE  BRITISH  TROOPS— HlS  CHARACTER— PURSUIT  OF  CORNWALLIS 

AND  RETREAT  OF  THE  MARQUIS — JUNCTION  WITH  WAYNE — THE  PURSUED  TURNS 
PURSUER — CORNWALLIS  RETREATS  TO  PORTSMOUTH  —  EMBARKS  FOR  YORK- 
TOWN— FORTIFIES  HIMSELF  AT  YORKTOWN  AND  GLOUCESTER  POINT— ARRIVAL 

OF  THE  FRENCH  FLEET— ARRIVAL  OF  THE  ALLIED  ARMY — SIEGE  OF  YORKTOWN— 
SURRENDER  OF  CORNWALLIS — RESULTS — LAFAYETTE  GOES  TO  FRANCE. 

THE  record  of  September,  1780,  is  ever  memorable 
for  the  blot  of  Arnold's  treason.  The  details  of  this 
foul  transaction,  which  will  hand  down  to  remotest 
posterity  the  picture  of  its  principal  actor,  painted  in 
tints  of  irremediable  baseness,  are  familiar  to  every 
reader  of  history.  Arnold  had  taken  the  time  when 
Washington  was  absent  from  the  camp,  to  carry  his 
diabolical  plans  into  execution,  and  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  first  learned  of  it  as  he  was  returning  from 
Hartford.  The  following  is  Lafayette's  announcement 
of  the  treachery  to  the  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerne  : 

"  ROBINSON  HOUSE,  OPPOSITE  W.  POINT, 
"Sept  26,  1780. 

"  When  I  parted  from  you  yesterday,  Sir,  to  come 
and  breakfast  here  with  General  Arnold,  we  were  far 
from  foreseeing  the  event  which  I  am  now  going  to 
relate  to  you.  You  will  shudder  at  the  danger  to 
which  we  were  exposed  ;  —  you  will  admire  the  mira- 


150  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

culous  chain  of  unexpected  events  and  singular  chan 
ces,  which  have  saved  us  ;  —  but  you  will  be  still 
more  astonished  when  you  learn  by  what  instrument 
this  conspiracy  has  been  formed.  West  Point  was 
sold, —  and  sold  by  Arnold, —  the  same  man  who  for 
merly  acquired  glory  by  rendering  such  immense  ser 
vices  to  his  country.  He  had  lately  entered  into  a 
horrible  compact  with  the  enemy,  and,  but  for  the 
accident  which  brought  us  here  at  a  certain  hour, 
but  for  the  combination  of  chances  that  threw  the 
Adjutant-General  of  the  British  army  in  the  hands  of 
some  peasants,  beyond  the  limits  of  our  stations,  at 
West  Point  and  on  the  North  River,  we  should  both 
at  present,  in  all  probability,  be  in  the  possession  of 
the  enemy. 

"  When  we  set  out  yesterday  for  Fishkill,  we  were 
preceded  by  one  of  my  aids-de-camp,  and  one  of 
General  Washington's,  (Colonels  Hamilton  and  Mc- 
Henry,)  who  found  General  Arnold  and  his  wife  at 
breakfast,  and  sat  down  at  table  with  them.  While 
they  were  together  two  letters  were  given  to  Ar 
nold,  which  apprised  him  of  the  arrest  of  the  spy. 
He  ordered  a  horse  to  be  saddled,  went  into  his 
wife's  room  to  tell  her  he  was  ruined,  and  desired 
his  aid-de-camp  to  inform  General  Washington  that 
he  was  going  to  West  Point  and  would  return  in  the 
course  of  an -hour. 

"On  our  arrival  here,  we  crossed  the  river  and  went 
to  examine  the  works.  You  may  conceive  our  as 
tonishment  when  we  learned,  on  our  return,  that  the 
arrested  spy  was  Major  Andre,  Adjutant-General  of 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  151 

the  English  army  ;  and  when  among  his  papers  were 
discovered  the  copy  of  an  important  council  of  war, 
the  state  of  the  garrison  and  works,  and  observations 
upon  various  means  of  attack  and  defense,  the  whole 
in  Arnold's  own  handwriting. 

"  The  Adjutant-General  wrote  also  to  the  General, 
avowing  his  name  and  situation.  Orders  were  sent  to 
arrest  Arnold  ;  but  he  escaped  in  a  boat,  got  on  board 
the  English  frigate,  the  Vulture,  and  as  no  person 
suspected  his  flight  he  was  not  stopped  at  any  post. 
Colonel  Hamilton,  who  had  gone  in  pursuit  of  him, 
received,  soon  after  by  a  flag  of  truce,  a  letter  from 
Arnold  to  the  General,  in  which  he  entered  into  de 
tails  to  justify  his  treachery,  and  a  letter  from  the 
English  commander,  Robertson,  who,  in  a  very  inso 
lent  manner,  demanded  that  the  Adjutant-General 
should  be  delivered  up  to  them,  as  he  had  only  acted 
with  the  permission  of  General  Arnold. 

"The  first  care  of  the  General  has  been  to  assemble 
at  West  Point  the  troops  that,  under  various  pre 
tences,  Arnold  had  dispersed.  We  remain  here  to 
watch  over  the  safety  of  a  fort,  that  the  English 
may  respect  less  as  they  become  better  acquainted 
with  it.  Continental  troops  have  been  summoned 
here,  and,  as  Arnold's  advice  may  determine  Clinton 
to  make  a  sudden  movement,  the  army  has  received 
orders  to  be  prepared  to  march  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing." 

The  character  of  Arnold  from  his  boyhood  is 
without  a  luminous  phase,  unless  it  be  the  meteoric 
glare  of  his  heroism  in  battle.  He  resembled  in  un- 


152  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

tamed  passions — destitution  of  manly  principle  —  and 
entire  recklessness  of  consequences,  when  selfish  aims 
demanded  the  hazard  of  human  well-being,  a  late  dis 
tinguished  criminal,  whose  doom  the  traitor  escaped. 
Both  of  whom  are  a  perpetual  warning  to  the  youth 
of  this,  and  other  lands,  to  beware  how  they  venture 
on  the  declivity  of  moral  ruin.  Never  in  the  history 
of  our  country  was  the  hand  of  God  more  visible, 
than  in  warding  off  from  freedom's  heart  the  deadly 
stab  of  this  modern  Judas. 

The  fate  of  Andre  has  awakened  a  melancholy 
interest  every  where,  though  none  doubt  the  propri 
ety  of  the  course  taken  by  the  American  officers  in 
the  tragical  result.  Lafayette  was  one  of  the  Board 
before  whom  the  ill-fated  spy  appeared  for  trial,  and 
from  whom  he  received  his  sentence  of  condemna 
tion.  To  the  feeling  and  generous  heart  of  the  Mar 
quis  the  performance  of  this  sad  duty  occasioned  se 
verest  pangs.  With  the  other  officers  he  felt  inte 
rested  in  the  candor,  openness,  and  magnanimity  of 
Andre,  but,  with  them,  he  was  compelled  to  decide 
that  this  young  and  highly  accomplished  officer,  who 
united  the  polish  of  a  court,  and  the  refinements  of 
education,  to  the  heroism  of  a  soldier,  was  a  spy,  and 
as  such  worthy  of  death.  Gladly  would  he  and  his 
associates  have  seen  the  stroke  of  vengeance  fall  on 
the  guiltier  head. 

The  absence  of  something  to  do,  did  not  agree  with 
Lafayette.  He  had  hoped  with  Washington  that  when 
this  campaign  should  have  closed,  the  war  would  also 
close  ;  and  it  was  depressing  to  see  the  season  pass 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  153 

away  without  a  signal  stroke.  The  reinforcements 
which  were  joining  the  British  fleet,  prevented  the 
attack  upon  New  York,  which  had  been  proposed 
with  so  sanguine  expectations.  Then  Lafayette  pro 
jected  other  exploits  for  himself.  On  the  26th  of 
October  he  undertook  to  surprise  the  enemy's  post 
upon  Staten  Island,  but  was  checked  by  the  failure 
of  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  provide  the  boats,  and 
make  other  provisions  for  the  passage  of  the  troops. 
Mortified,  but  not  disheartened,  on  the  30th  October, 
he  urged  upon  General  Washington  an  attack  upon 
the  upper  posts  of  the  enemy  at  New  York.  Wash 
ington  had  before  contemplated  this  enterprise,  but 
both  he  and  the  Marquis  were  forced  to  relinguish 
it.  Said  Washington  "  we  must  consult  our  means 
rather  than  our  wishes,  and  not  endeavor  to  better  our 
affairs  by  attempting  things  which,  for  want  of  success, 
may  make  them  worse."  Abandoning  this,  Lafayette 
next  petitions  to  join  General  Greene,  who  had  lately 
been  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  southern  army, 
hoping  that  he  might  there  find  active  service.  He 
wrote  a  long  letter  to  Greene,  who,  in  reply,  gave  him 
a  sad  account  of  the  prospect  before  him,  in  that  direc 
tion.  "  Were  you  to  arrive,"  said  he,  "  you  would 
find  a  few  ragged,  half-starved  troops  in  the  wilder 
ness,  destitute  of  every  thing  necessary  for  either  the 
comfort  or  convenience  of  soldiers.  The  department 
is  in  a  most  deplorable  condition,  nor  have  I  a  prospect 
of  its  mending.  The  country  is  almost  laid  waste,  and 
the  inhabitants  plunder  one  another  with  little  less  than 
savage  fury.  We  live  from  hand  to  mouth,  and  have 


154  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

nothing  to  subsist  on  but  what  we  collect  with  armed 
parties.  In  this  situation,  I  believe  you  will  agree  with 
me  that  there  is  nothing  inviting  this  way,  especially 
when  I  assure  you  our  whole  force,  fit  for  duty,  that 
are  properly  clothed  and  equipped,  does  not  amount  to 
eight  hundred  men."  This  did  not  frighten  Lafayette. 
The  army  at  the  north  had  now  gone  into  winter 
quarters,  his  corps  of  light  infantry  had  been  disbanded, 
and  he  saw  no  means  of  occupying  the  time  which  to 
him  was  so  precious  except  by  going  south.  "  I  hate 
the  idea,"  said  he  to  Washington,  "  of  being  from  you 
for  so  long  a  time,  but  I  think  I  ought  not  to  be  idle." 

Before  giving  him  permission,  Washington  advised 
him  to  proceed  to  Philadelphia,  and  take  charge  of 
some  transactions  there.  This  was  early  in  Decem 
ber,  and  Lafayette  remained  there  during  the  whole 
of  that  month,  communicating  to  Washington  almost 
daily  such  intelligence  as  he  received,  and  freely  con 
sulting  with  him  respecting  future  plans.  At  length, 
upon  a  renewed  suggestion,  Washington  gave  him 
leave  to  join  General  Greene,  should  there  be  no  call 
for  him  at  the  north.  In  one  of  the  letters  of  Wash 
ington  to  Lafayette,  written  while  the  Marquis  was  in 
Philadelphia,  is  the  following  passage,  illustrating  the 
great  embarrassment  which  still  existed  in  the  fi 
nances  of  the  army.  "  The  Chevalier  de  Luzerne's 
dispatches  came  in  time  for  the  post,  which  is  the  only 
means  left  me  for  the  conveyance  of  letters,  there  not 
being  so  much  money  in  the  hands  of  the  quar 
ter-master-general,  (I  believe  I  might  go  farther  and 
say,  in  those  of  the  whole  army,)  as  would  bear  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  155 

expense  of  an  express  to  Rhode  Island.  I  could  not 
get  one  the  other  day  to  ride  as  far  as  Pompton  !n 
The  hardships  of  the  troops  endured  so  long,  continued 
unabated.  Without  money  arid  almost  unclad  and 
unfed,  their  situation  was  distressing.  With  a  patriot 
ism  stronger  than  love  of  life,  their  present  sufferings 
appeared  hopeless  and  needless.  With  too  much  jus 
tice  they  began  to  entertain  the  opinion  that  Congress 
was  culpably  responsible  for  their  privations,  and 
having  suffered  them  so  long,  a  part  of  the  troops 
determined  to  take  redress  into  their  hands.  This  was 
the  origin  of  the  famous  mutiny  at  Morristown.  On 
the  night  of  the  1st  January,  1781,  the  Pensylvannia 
line,  stationed  for  the  winter  at  that  place,  rose  in  an 
open  and  almost  universal  revolt.  They  stated  their 
grievances  as  having  been  borne  till  they  were  now 
past  endurance,  and  avowred  their  determination  of 
marching  to  the  seat  of  Congress,  and  forcing  redress. 
The  authority  of  General  Wayne,  their  commanding 
officer,  availed  nothing  for  a  time,  in  quelling  the  re 
bellion,  and  the  mutineers,  consisting  of  thirteen  hun 
dred  men,  marched  towards  Princeton.  Congress, 
made  to  understand  at  last  the  effects  of  its  miserable 
indifference,  appointed  commissioners  to  treat  with  the 
troops,  and  requested  Lafayette  with  General  St.  Clair 
and  Col.  Laurens,  to  repair  to  Princeton,  and  aid  in 
the  work  of  pacification.  By  the  exertions  of  these 
officers,  and  the  judicious  intervention  of  Wayne,  the 
disturbance  was  at  length  subdued  ;  but  not  till  its 
existence  had  awakened  a  new  and  dark  apprehension 

in  the  breast  of  every  friend  of  American  liberty. 
11 


156  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

From  Princeton  Lafayette  proceeded  to  headquar 
ters,  and  rejoined  Washington  on  the  llth  of  January. 
Here  these  two  devoted  men  with  courage  still  unwa 
vering,  watched  for  light  upon  the  darkening  heavens. 
In  every  direction,  they  saw  only  the  blackness  of 
despair.  The  dawn  of  the  last  campaign  was  sadly 
contrasted  with  the  gloom  which  hung  around  its  close. 
The  next  campaign  could  not  be  undertaken  with  the 
slighest  hope  of  success,  unless  new  supplies  could  be 
obtained  from  some  source.  With  this  view  the  minds 
of  Washington  and  Lafayette  again  turned  to  France, 
and  Congress  was  induced  to  appoint  a  new  commis 
sioner  to  the  court  of  Versailles,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  one  more  effort  to  obtain  from  the  ministry 
the  help  which  was  needed.  Colonel  Laurens,  one  of 
Washington's  aids-de-camp,  was  appointed,  and,  before 
leaving,  received  the  instructions  of  the  Commander- 
in-Chief,  and  a  letter  which  he  wrote  to  Franklin, 
detailing  with  great  force  and  ability,  the  state  and 
resources  of  the  country,  with  its  present  urgent  wants. 
Lafayette  also  sent  by  him  a  letter  to  the  Count  de 
Vergennes,  expressing  his  owrn  views,  and  pleading 
earnestly  the  cause  of  the  country.  The  following 
extracts  from  this  letter  show  that  his  solicitude  was 
as  earnest  as  ever. 

"  The  last  campaign  took  place  without  a  shilling 
having  been  spent.  All  that  credit,  persuasion  and 
force  could  achieve,  has  been  done,  but  that  can  hold 
out  no  longer  ;  that  miracle  of  which  I  believe  no 
similar  example  can  be  found,  cannot  be  renewed,  and 
our  exertions  having  been  made  to  obtain  an  army  for 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  157 

the  war,  we  must  depend  on  you  to  enable  us  to  make 
use  of  it. 

"  From  my  peculiar  situation,  Sir,  and  from  what  it 
has  enabled  me  to  know  and  see,  I  think  it  is  my  duty 
to  call  your  attention  to  the  American  soldiers,  and 
the  part  they  must  take  in  the  operations  of  the  next 
campaign.  The  continental  troops  have  as  much 
courage  and  real  discipline  as  those  that  are  opposed 
to  them.  They  are  more  inured  to  privation,  more 
patient  than  Europeans,  who,  on  these  two  points, 
cannot  be  compared  to  them.  They  have  several 
officers  of  great  merit,  without  mentioning  those  who 
have  served  daring  the  last  wars,  and  from  their  own 
talents  have  acquired  knowledge  intuitively.  They 
have  been  formed  by  the  daily  experience  of  several 
campaigns,  in  which,  the  armies  being  small,  and  the 
country  a  rugged  one,  all  the  battalions  of  the  line 
were  obliged  to  serve  as  advanced  guards  and  light 
troops.  The  recruits  whom  we  are  expecting,  and 
who  only  bear,  in  truth,  the  name  of  recruits,  have 
frequently  fought  battles  in  the  same  regiments  which 
they  are  now  re  entering,  and  have  seen  more  gunshots 
than  three-fourths  of  the  European  soldiers.  As  to  the 
militia,  they  are  only  armed  peasants,  who  have  occa 
sionally  fought,  and  who  are  not  deficient  in  ardor  and 
discipline,  but  whose  services  would  be  the  most  useful 
in  the  labors  of  a  siege.  This,  Sir,  is  the  faithful  pic 
ture  that  I  think  myself  obliged  to  send  you,  and  which 
is  not  my  interest  to  paint  in  glowing  colors,  because 
it  would  be  more  glorious  to  succeed  with  slighter 
means.  The  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerne,  who,  havir 


158  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

himself  seen  our  soldiers,  will  give  you  a  detailed  and 
disinterested  account  of  them,  will  doubtless  tell  you 
as  I  do,  that  you  may  depend  upon  our  regular  troops. 
The  result  of  this  digression,  Sir,  is  to  insist  still  more 
earnestly  on  the  necessity  of  sending  money  to  put  the 
American  troops  in  movement,  and  to  repeat  that  well 
known  truth,  that  a  pecuniary  succor  and  a  naval 
superiority  must  be  the  two  principal  objects  of  the 
next  campaign." 

By  the  same  messenger  he  also  writes  to  Madame 
Lafayette;  —  "  The  Americans  continue  to  testify  for 
me  the  greatest  kindness.  There  is  no  proof  of  affec 
tion  and  kindness  which  I  do  not  receive  each  day  from 
the  army  and  nation.  I  experience  for  the  American 
officers  and  soldiers  that  friendship  which  arises  from 
having  shared  with  them,  for  a  length  of  time,  dangers, 
sufferings,  and  both  good  and  evil  fortune.  We  began 
by  struggling  together,  for  our  affairs  have  often  been 
at  the  lowest  possible  ebb.  It  is  gratifying  to  me  to 
crown  this  work  with  them  by  giving  the  European 
troops  a  high  idea  of  the  soldiers  who  have  been 
formed  with  us.  To  all  these  motives  of  interest  for 
the  cause  and  the  army,  are  joined  my  sentiments  of 
regard  for  General  Washington."  In  the  same  letter 
he  also  writes:  —  u Embrace  our  children  a  thousand 
and  a  thousand  times  for  me.  Their  father,  although 
a  wanderer,  is  not  less  tender,  nor  less  constantly  occu 
pied  with  them,  and  not  less  happy  at  reciving  news 
from  them.  My  heart  dwells  with  peculiar  delight  on 
the  moment  when  those  dear  children  will  be  pre- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  159 

sented    to   me   by  you,  and   when    we   can    embrace 
and  caress  them  together." 

Although  recent  transactions  had  temporarily  driven 
from  Lafayette's  mind  his  southern  plans,  events  that 
were  nuvv  transpiring  gave  him  an  opportunity  for 
renewing  the  consideration  of  them,  though  in  a  dif 
ferent  light  than  before.  Arnold,  whose  villainy  had 
heen  rewarded  by  the  commission  of  Brigadier-Gene 
ral  in  the  British  service,  at  the  head  of  sixteen  hun 
dred  men,  was  now  ravaging  the  lower  part  of  Vir 
ginia.  His  spirit  burning  with  resentment,  spent  its 
bitterness  in  acts  of  unparalleled  atrocity.  Wherever 
he  went,  the  fire  and  the  sword  marked  his  path  with 
devastation.  Gloating  over  the  butchery  of  the  de 
fenceless,  his  demoniac  heart  drank  joy  from  the  cup 
of  horror  which  he  pressed  to  the  lips  of  the  helpless 
inhabitants  in  every  place  through  which  he  marched. 
Property  which  could  not  be  pillaged  was  destroyed; 
both  the  old  and  the  young  of  either  sex  fell  alike  the 
victims  of  his  fiendish  barbarity.  The  Baron  Steuben> 
with  his  small  division,  could  do  no  more  than  occa 
sionally  check  his  ravages,  and  Washington  saw  the 
propriety  and  importance  of  detaching  a  larger  force 
to  that  scene  of  warfare.  As  soon  as  he  learned  the 
position  of  things  in  Virginia,  his  mind  formed  a  design 
for  the  capture  of  Arnold.  The  French  fleet,  which 
had  been  blockaded  in  Newport,  was  now  freed  by  a 
violent  storm  dispersing  the  British  fleet  at  Gardner's 
Bay  with  great  loss.  Availing  himself  of  this  release, 
Washington  applied  to  the  Admiral  for  cooperation 


160  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

in  an  expedition  against  Arnold.  His  plan  was  to 
send  Lafayette  with  a  detachment  of  twelve  hundred 
men,  drafted  for  that  purpose  from  the  lines  of  New 
England  and  New  Jersey,  to  the  head  of  the  Chesa 
peake,  where  they  were  to  embark  under  convoy  of 
a  French  frigate,  which  he  expected  to  obtain,  for 
Virginia.  To  succeed,  and  bring  the  traitor  to  jus 
tice,  was  Washington's  intense  desire.  To  ensure 
success,  he  urged  the  enlistment  of  the  whole  fleet  in 
the  enterprize,  and  that  a  thousand  men  should  be 
embarked  for  the  service.  This  would  doubtless  have 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  Arnold,  but  the  French 
officers  refused  to  join  with  so  large  a  detachment. 
Contrary  to  the  opinion  of  Washington,  they  thought 
a  smaller  force  was  abundantly  adequate,  and  accor 
dingly,  on  the  9th  of  February,  a  sixty-four  gun  ship 
with  two  frigates  under  Monsieur  de  Tilley,  sailed  for 
the  Chesapeake.  Arriving  there,  he  found,  as  Wash 
ington  had  foreseen,  Arnold  entrenched  in  a  position 
secure  against  any  mere  naval  force,  and  without 
attempting  to  assail  it,  de  Tilley  immediately  returned 
to  Newport,  having  been  absent  only  fifteen  days. 

The  General  and  Admiral  determined  to  renew  the 
expedition,  according  to  the  suggestion  of  Washington, 
who  left  his  camp  and  hastened  to  consult  with  those 
officers  in  person  upon  the  affair.  The  Admiral  as 
sured  him  that  he  would  proceed  to  cooperate  with 
Lafayette's  detachment  with  the  entire  fleet,  to  which 
Count  Rochambeau  promised  to  add  1100  men  from 
his  land  forces.  This  was  what  Washington  desired, 
and  having  made  the  important  arrangement,  returned 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  161 

to  head  quarters.  The  fleet  sailed  on  the  8th  of 
March.  It  was  commanded  by  Admiral  Destouches, 
who  had  succeeded  the  Chevalier  de  Terney,  that 
officer  having  died  on  the  15th  of  December  previous. 

Meanwhile  Lafayette,  at  the  head  of  a  choice  de 
tachment,  arrived  at  the  head  of  the  Elk,  on  the  3d 
of  March.  From  this  point  he  embarked  his  troops 
for  Annapolis,  whence  he  proceeded  to  Williamsburgh, 
where  the  Baron  Steuben  held  his  head  quarters. 
After  having  consulted  with  him,  he  tarried  for  several 
days,  hoping  to  hear  of  the  frigate  which  was  to  con 
vey  him  to  Virginia.  From  Williamsburgh,  on  the 
23d  of  March,  he  writes  to  General  Washington  : 

"On  my  arrival  at  this  place,  I  was  surprised  to 
hear  that  no  French  fleet  had  appeared,  but  attributed 
it  to  delays  and  chances  so  frequent  in  naval  matters. 
My  first  object  was  to  request  that  nothing  be  taken 
for  this  expedition  which  could  have  been  intended  for 
or  useful  to  the  southern  army,  whose  welfare  ap 
peared  to  me  more  interesting  than  our  success.  My 
second  object  has  been  to  examine  what  has  been  pre 
pared,  to  gather  and  forward  every  requisite  for  a 
vigorous  cooperation,  besides  a  number  of  militia, 
amounting  to  five  thousand  ;  and  I  can  assure  your 
Excellency  that  nothing  has  been  wanting  to  ensure  a 
complete  success. 

"  As  the  position  of  the  enemy  had  not  yet  been 
reconnoitered,  I  went  to  General  Muhlenberg's  camp, 
near  Suffolk,  and  after  he  had  taken  "a  position  nearer 
to  Portsmouth,  we  marched  down  with  some  troops 
to  view  the  enemy's  works.  This  brought  on  a  tri- 


162  LIFEJ)F  GENERAL' 

fling  skirmish,  during  which  we  were  able  to  see 
something,  but  the  insufficiency  of  ammunition,  which 
had  been  for  many  days  expected,  prevented  my  en 
gaging  far  enough  to  push  the  enemy's  outposts,  and 
our  reconnoitering  was  postponed  to  the  21st,  when  on 
the  20th,  Major  McPherson,  an  officer  for  whom  I 
have  the  highest  confidence  and  esteem,  sent  me  word 
from  Hampton,  where  he  was  stationed,  that  a  fleet 
had  come  to  anchor  within  the  capes.  So  far  it  was 
probable  that  this  fleet  was  that  of  M.  Destouches,  that 
Arnold  himself  appeared  to  be  in  great  confusion,  and 
his  vessels,  notwithstanding  many  signals,  durst  not 
for  a  long  time  venture  down." 

Lafayette  had  been  advised  of  the  contemplated  ex 
pedition,  but  as  part  of  his  dispatches  had  failed  to 
reach  him,  he  was  left  in  great  uncertainty.  At  length 
he  received  intelligence  from  Washington  more  defi 
nitely,  and  was  ordered  to  hold  himself  ready  to  unite 
with  them  upon  their  arrival.  The  fleet  sailed  on  the 
8th,  but  two  days  afterwards  it  was  followed  by  the 
re-collected  British  fleet  under  Arbuthnot,  who  had 
orders  to  frustrate  the  efforts  of  the  allied  armies. 
Destouches  was  overtaken  off  the  capes  of  Virginia, 
and  a  naval  engagement  ensued.  The  result  was  not 
decisive,  the  damage  being  about  equal  on  both  sides. 
The  French  Admiral  called  a  council  the  next  day, 
deciding  that  it  was  unadvisable  to  renew  the  action, 
and  accordingly  sailed  back  to  Newport,  leaving  La 
fayette  to  his  fate,  and  the  expedition  against  Arnold 
to  prove  an  entire  failure. 

The    Marquis   had   received   with  joy   the   tidings 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  1C3 

which  Major  McPherson  had  given  him,  of  the  naval 
strength  at  hand,  but  a  few  hours  changed  it  to  dismal 
apprehension.  After  the  French  had  gone,  the  British 
entered  and  took  undisputed  possession  of  Chesapeake 
Bay.  It  was  this  fleet  instead  of  the  French  which 
McPherson  had  seen,  and  Lafayette  was  not  long  in 
making  the  discovery.  Washington,  as  soon  as  he 
had  learned  the  sailing  of  Arbuthnot,  sent  word,  but 
this  failed  to  reach  the  Marquis,  and  he  was  unap- 
prised  of  his  danger  till  suddenly  it  was  before  him, 
threatening  ruin.  His  situation  now  was  an  exceed 
ingly  critical  one.  He  hastened  to  Annapolis,  where 
his  troops  were  stationed,  and  made  preparations  for 
their  return  to  the  head  of  the  Elk.  This  was  now 
no  easy  matter.  To  return  by  land  was  perilous,  and 
the  harbor  was  blockaded  by  two  of  the  enemy's  ves 
sels,  which  apparently  rendered  their  escape  by  water 
impossible.  But  Lafayette  was  not  the  man  to  be  dis 
couraged.  His  spirit  rose  with  the  difficulties  which 
surrounded  him,  and  in  the  desperate  game  which  was 
now  before  him,  he  determined  to  win  the  stakes,  fear 
ful  as  were  the  odds  against  him.  He  gave  orders  to 
commence  a  land  march  in  ten  days.  At  the  same  time 
he  was  busy  in  devising  a  passage  for  the  troops  by 
water.  For  this  purpose  he  executed  a  bold  and  in 
genious  manoeuvre.  He  mounted  two  guns  upon  a 
small  sloop,  and  filling  this  and  another  vessel  with 
men.  he  gave  them  in  charge  to  Commodore  Nichol 
son,  ordering  him  to  sail  out  boldly  towards  the  two 
blockading  ships,  and  make  demonstrations  as  though 
about  to  board  them.  The  result  was  fully  successful. 


164  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

The  enemy,  surprised  at  this  daring,  and  apprehending 
the  force  of  their  opponents  was  much  greater  than 
they  had  suspected,  weighed  anchor  and  immediately 
retreated.  This  was  what  Lafayette  desired,  and 
when  night  came  he  took  advantage  of  it.  The  ves 
sels  which  had  transported  him  to  Annapolis,  were 
refilled  with  the  troops  and  stores,  and  under  cover  of 
darkness  sailed  out  of  the  harbor.  The  Marquis  in  a 
sloop  brought  up  the  rear,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
8th  of  April,  they  safely  moored  in  the  Elk. 

We  cannot  fail  to  admire  the  sagacity  again  dis 
played  by  this  commander.  We  are  now  about  to 
enter  upon  an  era  of  his  life  in  which  his  singular  fore 
sight  and  prudence,  are  exhibited  in  a  still  clearer  light. 
The  name  of  Lafayette,  said  another,  was  never  tar 
nished  by  a  single  military  blunder.  This  is  the  distin 
guishing  glory  of  the  Marquis  as  a  military  hero.  He 
had  a  courage  which  could  face  danger  and  death 
unappalled,  and  which  gave  calmness  amid  the  most 
terrific  battles;  but  others  have  possessed  this  trait  in 
an  equal  degree.  Rarely,  however,  has  it  been  com 
bined  with  so  much  finesse  and  facility  for  extricating 
an  army  from  perils  which  would  have  repelled  veterans 
in  the  stratagem  of  war. 

At  the  head  of  the  Elk,  Lafayette  met  a  dispatch, 
which  Washington  hoped  would  reach  him  at  Anna 
polis,  ordering  him  to  repair  with  his  detachment  to 
the  south,  and  join  General  Gi*!;ene  as  soon  as  possible. 
Cornwallis  and  Greene  were  operating  in  the  Carolinas. 
To  reinforce  Arnold  and  make  a  junction  with  Corn 
wallis,  as  Washington  supposed,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  165 

sent  out  General  Phillips  with  two  thousand  men  to 
Virginia,  and  their  arrival  changed  the  destination  of 
Lafayette.  He  was  ordered  "to  proceed  to  Virginia, 
to  take  the  command  of  the  troops  collected  and  col 
lecting  for  its  protection,  and  to  prevent  if  possible  the 
meditated  descent  of  Phillips  or  his  junction  with  Corn- 
wallis."  He  accordingly  took  up  his  line  of  march,  and 
started  for  Baltimore.  But  before  proceeding  far,  he 
encountered  trouble  unknown  before.  The  troops 
under  his  command  began  to  express  their  open  dissa 
tisfaction  at  the  hardships  they  endured.  Their  trials 
were  severe.  ''Without  tents.  —  for  many,  even  of 
the  officers,  slept  in  the  open  air;  —  their  shoes  worn 
out,  —  their  hats  lost  in  their  repeated  voyages;  —  in  a 
state  —  as  the  Marquis  expresses  it  —  'of  shocking 
nakedness,' — not  the  least  particle  of  baggage  attend 
ing  their  march,  —  no  provision  made  for  a  protracted 
absence  from  their  wives  and  families,  many  of  whom 
had  joined  them  and  been  left  at  their  winter  quar 
ters; —  murmuring  at  being  thus  hurried  off  without 
notice  to  prepare  for  the  service;  —  reasonably  fearing 
that  their  destination  was  to  serve  in  a  climate  which 
they  dreaded,  and  supported  by  the  general  pity  which 
their  case  excited;  —  such  was  the  temper  of  his  army, 
that  many  of  the  officers  assured  the  Marquis,  that  it 
would  speedily  be  reduced  to  one-half  by  desertion.'7 
Lafayette  himself,  while  on  his  way  to  Baltimore,  com 
municates  to  Washington  this  condition  of  things,  and 
after  stating  the  distress  of  the  soldiers  adds: — "  While 
I  was  writing  this,  accounts  have  been  brought  to  me, 
that  a  great  desertion  had  taken  place  last  night;  nine 


166  LIFE  OF  GEJN^ERAL 

of  the  Rhode  Island  company,  and  the  best  men  they 
had,  who  have  made  many  campaigns,  and  never  were 
suspected;  These  men  say  they  like  better  a  hundred 
lashes  than  a  journey  southward.  As  long  as  they  had 
an  expedition  in  view,  they  were  very  well  satisfied, 
but  the  idea  of  remaining  in  the  Southern  States, 
appears  to  them  intolerable,  and  they  are  amazingly 
averse  to  the  people  and  the  climate.  I  shall  do  my 
best,  but  if  this  disposition  lasts,  I  am  afraid  we  shall 
be  reduced  lower  than  I  dare  express." 

To  render  the  prospect  still  more  hopeless,  advices 
were  received  from  the  Board  of  War,  that  they  were 
utterly  unable  to  remedy  the  wretchedness  of  the 
troops.  Thus  thrown  entirely  upon  himself,  Lafayette 
issued  an  order,  in  which,  after  sympathizing  with 
their  hardships,  he  told  them  he  was  about  to  enter 
upon  an  enterprise  of  great  difficulty  and  danger,  in 
which  he  was  confident  his  soldiers  would  readily  join 
him.  He  assured  them,  however,  that  if  any  were 
unwilling  to  accompany  him,  a  free  permit  should  be 
given  them  to  rejoin  their  corps  in  the  north,  and  that 
by  making  an  application  to  him  they  could  thus  be 
saved  from  the  crime  and  disgrace  of  desertion.  The 
success  of  this  plan  was  marked  and  immediate.  De 
sertion  ceased  at  once.  A  new  spirit  instantly  spread 
through  the  troops.  Lafayette  assured  Marshall  that 
such  was  the  enthusiasm  of  the  moment,  that  a  lame 
sergeant  hired  a  place  in  a  cart  to  keep  up  with  the 
army.  On  reaching  Baltimore,  Lafayette  added  to 
this  measure  another  with  yet.  greater  effect.  From 
the  merchants  of  this  city  he  borrowed  upon  his  own 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  167 

credit  ten  thousand  dollars,  which  he  did  not  hesitate 
in  appropriating  to  the  supply  of  the  necessary  wants 
of  his  soldiers.  In  a  letter  to  General  Greene  he 
says,  — "  As  our  brave  and  excellent  men  (for  this 
detachment  is  exceedingly  good)  are  shockingly  desti 
tute  of  linen,  I  have  borrowed  from  the  merchants  of 
Baltimore  a  sum  on  my  credit,  which  will  amount  to 
about  two  thousand  pounds,  and  will  procure  a  few 
hats,  some  shoes,  some  blankets,  and  a  pair  of  linen 
overalls,  to  each  man.  I  hope  to  set  the  Baltimore 
ladies*  at  wrork  upon  the  shirts,  which  will  be  sent 
after  me,  and  the  overalls  will  be  made  by  our  tailors. 
I  will  use  my  influence  to  have  the  money  added  to 
the  loan  which  the  French  court  have  made  to  the 
United  States,  and  in  case  I  cannot  succeed,  bind  my 
self  to  the  merchants  for  payment  with  interest,  in  two 
years."  The  President  of  the  Baltimore  Board  of 
War  also  wrote  to  General  Greene  upon  the  same  sub 
ject.  "  While  I  admire  your  policy/1  said  he,  "  I  have 
more  than  once  pitied  the  Marquis'  situation.  His 
troops  passed  here  yesterday,  discontented  almost  to 
general  desertion;  —  destitute  of  shirts,  and  proper 
equipments,  and  in  most  respects,  unprovided  for  a 
march.  You  know  the  Marquis.  He  has  been  with  us 
but  two  days,  but  in  this  time  he  adopted  an  expedient 
to  conciliate  them  to  a  degree,  which  no  one  but  him 
self  would  have  thought  of.  To  day,  April  16th,  1781, 
he  signs  a  contract,  binding  himself  to  certain  mer- 


*  This  was  done.     Every  fair  hand  in  Baltimore  promptly  aided  in 
preparing  his  purchases  for  immediate  use. 


168  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

chants  of  this  place,  for  above  two  thousand  guineas, 
to  be  disposed  of  in  shirts,  overalls,  and  hats,  for  the 
detachment.  Without  these  the  army  could  not  pro 
ceed;  and  with  these  he  has  managed  to  reconcile 
them  to  the  service.  He  is  also  bent  upon  trying  the 
power  of  novelty  on  their  minds,  by  giving  to  the 
march  the  air  of  a  frolic.  His  troops  will  ride  in  wa 
gons  and  carts,  from  Elkbridge  landing  to  the  limks  of 
this  state,  and  how  much  further  he  will  continue  this 
mode  of  movement  depends  upon  Virginia." 

Lafayette  now  proceeded  onward  in  fine  spirits 
towards  Virginia.  Phillips  and  the  Traitor  were  carry 
ing  on  their  work  of  devastation  and  pillage  in  this 
state  almost  without  interruption.  Ten  thousand  hogs 
heads  of  tobacco  wrere  destroyed  by  the  doughty 
Phillips  in  his  predatory  excursions.  Baron  Steuben 
was  unable  to  check  him,  and  as  Lafayette  learned 
that  the  British  were  ascending  the  James  River,  he 
judged  that  their  destination  was  Richmond  and  directed 
his  own  course  thither.  The  chief  proportion  of  the 
military  stores  of  the  state  wrere  collected  at  this  place, 
a  fact  that  both  Lafayette  and  the  British  General  well 
understood.  Phillips  and  Arnold  having  separated 
their  forces  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  their  law 
less  work  against  defenceless  women  and  tobacco 
warehouses,  re-united  their  divisions  on  the  2(Jth  of 
April  at  Manchester,  a  small  village  on  the  south  side 
of  Jarnes  River,  but  within  sight  of  the  metropolis. 
Their  plans  were  laid  for  an  attack  upon  Richmond 
the  next  day.  But  in  this  they  reckoned  without  their 
host.  Lafayette,  with  the  celerity  which  usually 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  169 

attended  his  movements,  arrived  at  the  city,  and  took 
possession  of  it  the  same  day  that  his  enemies  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  River,  were  planning  its  destruc 
tion  for  the  morrow's  pastime. 

The  30th  of  April  dawned,  and  Lafayette,  upon 
enumerating  his  forces,  knew  the  enemy  could  not 
drive  him  from  his  position.  He  was  here  joined  by 
Baron  Steuben,  with  his  corps  of  regular  troops,  and 
by  General  Nelson  with  a  division  of  the  Virginia  mi 
litia,  making  in  all  about  a  thousand  regulars,  two 
thousand  militia  and  sixty  dragoons  now  under  his  com 
mand.  The  British  force  exceeded  this,  but  he  did 
not  doubt  his  ability  to  maintain  his  ground.  Prepara 
tions  were  making  by  General  Phillips  to  cross  over 
and  ravage  the  place,  when  upon  reconnoitering  he 
found  to  his  surprise  and  anger  that  Lafayette  was 
already  in  possession  of  the  city.  The  rage  of  the 
British  General  upon  discovering  this,  knew  no  bounds. 
With  passionate  vehemence  he  swore  that  he  would 
have  vengeance.  Attempting  to  cross  over  the  river 
with  a  body  of  his  men,  he  was  repulsed  and  forced  to 
bear  his  disappointment,  making  a  precipitate  retreat. 

The  events  which  occurred  subsequently  to  these 
transactions  are  best  related  by  Lafayette  himself,  and 
we  quote  accordingly  from  him.  Writing  to  General 
Washington  under  date  of  May  18th,  he  thus  gives  a 
statement  of  events  up  to  that  time: 

"  When  General  Phillips  retreated  from  Richmond, 
his  project  was  to  stop  at  Williamsburg,  there  to  col 
lect  contributions  which  he  had  imposed.  This  induced 
me  to  take  a  position  between  Pamunkey  and  Chicca- 


170  OLIFE  OF  GENERAL 

homony  rivers,  which  equally  covered  Richmond  and 
some  other  interesting  parts  of  the  state,  and  from 
where  I  detached  General  Nelson  with  some  militia 
towards  Williamsburg. 

"Having  got  as  low  dowrn  as  that  place,  General 
Phillips  seemed  to  discover  an  intention  to  make  a  land 
ing,  but  upon  advices  received  by  a  vessel  from  Ports 
mouth,  the  enemy  weighed  anchor,  and,  with  all  the 
sail  they  could  crowd,  hastened  up  the  river.  This 
intelligence  made  me  apprehensive  that  the  enemy  in 
tended  to  manosuvre  me  out  of  Richmond,  where  I  re 
turned  immediately,  and  again  collected  our  small 
force.  Intelligence  was  the  same  day  received  that 
Lord  Cornwallis  —  who  I  had  been  assured  to  have  em 
barked  at  Wilmington  —  was  marching  through  North 
Carolina.  This  was  confirmed  by  the  landing  of  Gene 
ral  Phillips  at  Brandon,  south  side  of  James  River. 
Apprehending  that  both  armies  would  meet  at  a  central 
point,  I  marched  towrards  Petersburg  and  intended  to 
have  established  a  communication  over  Appamatox  and 
James  Rivers;  —  but  on  the  9th  General  Phillips  took 
possession  of  Petersburg,  a  place  where  his  right  flank 
being  covered  by  James  River,  his  front  by  Appamatox 
on  which  the  brigades  had  been  destroyed  in  the  first 
part  of  the  invasion,  and  his  left  not  being  attackable 
but  by  a  long  circuit  through  fords,  that  at  this  season 
are  very  uncertain,  I  could  not  —  even  with  an  equal 
force  —  have  got  any  chance  of  fighting  him,  unless  I 
had  given  up  this  side  of  James  River,  and  the  country 
from  which  reinforcements  are  expected.  It  being  the 
enemy's  choice  to  force  us  to  an  action,  while  their 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  171 

own  position  ensured  them  against  our  enterprises,  I 
thought  it  proper  to  shift  this  situation,  and  marched 
the  greater  part  of  our  troops  to  this  place,*  about  ten 
miles  below  Richmond.  Letters  from  General  Nash, 
General  Jones  and  General  Sumner  are  positive  as  to 
the  arrival  of  Colonel  Tarleton,  and  announce  that  of 
Lord  Cornwallis  at  Halifax.  Having  received  a  re 
quest  from  North  Carolina  for  ammunition,  I  made  a 
detachment  of  five  hundred  men  under  General  Muh- 
lenburg,  to  escort  twenty  thousand  cartridges  over 
Appamatox,  and,  to  divert  the  enemy's  attention, 
Colonel  Gimat,  with  his  battalion,  and  four  field  pieces, 
commanded  their  position  from  this  side  of  the  river. 
1  hope  our  ammunition  will  arrive  safe,  as  before  Ge 
neral  Muhlenburg  returned  he  put  it  in  a  safe  road, 
with  proper  directions.  On  the  13th  General  Phillips 
died,  and  the  command  devolved  on  General  Arnold. 
General  Wayne's  detachment  has  not  yet  been  heard 
from.  Before  he  arrives,  it  becomes  very  dangerous 
to  risk  an  engagement,  where  —  as  the  British  armies 
are  vastly  superior  to  us  —  we  shall  certainly  be  beaten, 
and  by  the  loss  of  arms,  the  dispersion  of  militia,  and 
the  difficulty  of  a  junction  with  General  Wayne,  we 
may  lose  a  less  dangerous  chance  of  resistance." 

Lafayette,  with  an  eye  qpen  to  the  full  nature  of  his 
situation,  improved  the  time  in  his  present  camp  to  the 
best  advantage.  In  a  number  of  ways  he  exerted  him 
self  to  increase  the  strength  of  his  army.  He  fostered 
their  pride  and  their  patriotism,  gave  them  new  proofs 
l- - 

*  Welton,  on  the  north  side  of  James  River. 
12 


172  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  his  kindness,  and  thus  increased  their  attachment 
to  him,  and  kept  alive  in  their  breasts  detestation 
of  the  gross  outrages  which  the  foe  was  daily  com 
mitting  upon  their  unoffending  countrymen.  He  esta 
blished  order  after  the  most  rigid  system  through  the 
several  departments  of  his  corps,  and  prepared  them 
to  act  with  efficiency  and  celerity  at  a  moment's 
warning.  Before  the  death  of  General  Phillips,  a 
correspondence  was  commenced  between  him  and  the 
Marquis  relative  to  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  and 
after  the  death  of  that  officer,  Arnold  desired  to  con 
tinue  the  negotiations.  The  soul  of  the  high-minded 
Lafayette  shrunk  as  from  a  viper,  when  a  letter  from 
him  was  sent,  under  cover  of  a  flag  of  truce,  to  his 
camp.  He  did  not  touch  the  communication,  but 
while  he  positively  assured  the  bearer  that  he  would 
hold  no  correspondence  with  its  author,  he  signified 
to  him  that  lt  in  case  any  other  English  officer  should 
honor  him  with  a  letter,  he  would  always  be  happy  to 
give  the  officers  every  testimony  of  esteem."  Gene 
ral  Washington  highly  approved  of  this  refusal. 
"Your  conduct/'  writes  he  to  Lafayette,  "upon  every 
occasion  meets  my  approbation,  but  in  none  more 
than  in  your  refusing  to  hold  correspondence  with 
Arnold." 

The  Traitor  did  not  long  continue  in  the  supreme 
command.  Lord  Cornwallis  arrived  in  Virginia,  and 
formed  a  junction  with  Arnold  at  Petersburg  on  the 
20th  of  May.  His  plan  was  the  conquest  of  that 
colony,  and  he  immediately  began  his  offensive  move 
ments  against  Lafayette.  Cornwallis  was  no  ordinary 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  173 

man.  After  Sir  William  Howe  had  returned  to  Eng 
land,  he  was  left  the  most  accomplished  General  of 
the  British  service  in  America.  As  a  man,  he  was 
high-minded  and  honorable  ;  as  a  soldier,  he  was 
brave  and  courageous  ;  as  an  officer,  he  united  sin 
gular  sagacity  to  an  energy  which  the  severest  diffi 
culties  failed  to  subdue,  and  a  skill  which  often  turned 
a  seeming  overthrow  into  a  victory,  winning  a  proud 
triumph  from  the  very  jaws  of  a  disgraceful  defeat. 
In  battle  he  was  always  cool  and  collected,  guiding 
the  contest,  himself  above  the  fury  of  the  elements, 
which  yielded  to  his  control,  though  they  disturbed 
not  his  tranquillity.  No  ravage  or  pillage  like  that 
which  had  just  dishonored  the  British  arms  in  Vir 
ginia,  was  allowed  under  his  command.  He  came 
to  fight  with  soldiers,  and  not  to  lay  the  sword  against 
defenseless  women,  weak  old  men,  and  children.  An 
outrage  committed  by  some  of  his  troops  on  his  march 
from  Wilmington  to  Petersburg,  such  an  one  as  Phil 
lips  and  Arnold  had  often  instigated  and  gloated  over, 
was  at  once  punished  by  Cornwallis,  who  caused  the 
immediate  execution  of  the  chief  offenders.  Had  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  possessed  a  tithe  of  his  talents,  Corn 
wallis  would  never  have  met  with  his  fate  at  York- 
town.  Clinton,  weak-minded  and  short-sighted,  fell 
into  a  snare  into  which  all  the  wisdom  of  Washington 
could  not  have  entrapped  Cornwallis. 

The  superiority  of  Cornwallis  to  Lafayette  in  the 
number  of  his  troops  was  immense.  His  field  force 
was  not  less  than  eight  thousand  men,  while  that  of 
Lafayette  did  not  exceed  four  thousand.  To  add  to 


174  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  advantage  of  the  British  General,  he  had  four 
hundred  dragoons,  and  nearly  twice  that  number  of 
mounted  infantry,  while  fully  three-fourths  of  La 
fayette's  men  were  raw  militia.  All  this,  while  it  in 
creased  to  a  certainty  Cornwallis'  anticipations  of  cap 
turing  Lafayette,  did  not  dismay  his  foe.  He  had 
before  escaped,  and  believed  he  should  now.  The 
efforts  of  Cornwallis  were  immediate  and  active.  On 
the  24th  of  May  he  crossed  the  James  River  at  the 
head  of  all  his  troops,  and  made  his  first  direct  ad 
vance  upon  Lafayette.  The  Marquis  had  retreated 
to  Richmond,  but  he  was  there  totally  unable  to  meet 
the  enemy.  "Were  I  any  ways  equal  to  the  enemy," 
he  writes  to  Washington,  "  I  should  be  extremely 
happy  ;  but  I  am  not  strong  enough  even  to  get 
beaten.  The  Government  in  this  State  has  no  energy, 
and  the  laws  have  no  force  ;  but  I  hope  the  present 
Assembly  will  put  matters  on  a  better  footing.  I  had 
a  great  deal  of  trouble  to  put  things  in  a  tolerable 
train  ;  our  expenses  were  enormous,  and  yet  we  can 
get  nothing.  Arrangements  for  the  present  would 
seem  to  put  on  a  better  face,  but  for  this  superiority 
of  the  enemy,  which  will  chase  us  wherever  they 
please.  They  can  overrun  the  country,  and,  until  the 
Pennsylvanians  arrive,  we  are  next  to  nothing  in  point 
of  opposition  to  so  large  a  force.  This  country  be 
gins  to  be  as  familiar  to  me  as  Tappan  and  Bergen. 
Our  soldiers  are  hitherto  very  healthy.  I  have  turned 
doctor,  and  regulate  their  diet." 

Cornwallis    passed    the  James    River  at  Westover, 
and    the  same  day  Lafayette    abandoned    Richmond. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  175 

Removing  the  most  valuable  military  stores  of  that 
town  to  a  place  of  safety,  he  fell  behind  the  Chicca- 
homony  River,  and  took  the  road  towards  Fredericks- 
burg.  His  main  object  now  was  to  avoid  the  enemy, 
and  keep  open  his  communication  with  the  north,  till 
he  could  form  a  junction  with  the  Pennsylvania  line 
under  General  Wayne,  which  was  now  marching  down 
to  his  aid.  At  Westover  Cornwallis  received  a  re 
inforcement  from  New  York,  and  from  this  place  he 
started  in  pursuit  of  the  Marquis,  all  confident  of  suc 
cess.  "  The  boy  cannot  escape  me"  he  wrote  in  an  in 
tercepted  letter,  and  few  in  the  country  when  they 
learned  the  condition  of  the  two  parties,  thought  other 
wise.  The  "boy"  all  at  once,  become  the  center  of 
the  deepest  interest.  The  news  of  his  slender  force 
together  with  the  ability  and  strength  of  Cornwallis, 
awakened  an  intense  apprehension  wherever  hearts 
were  found  which  desired  his  success. 

All  eyes  were  now  turned  towards  Virginia ;  and 
Lafayette,  in  proud  consciousness  of  the  interest  he 
was  exciting,  the  more  resolutely  determined  to  tri 
umph.  No  excitement  can  be  traced  in  any  of  his 
letters  during  this  period.  He  seems  coolly  to  have 
extricated  himself  from  his  various  difficulties  as  fast 
as  they  arose,  and  as  calmly  to  have  narrated  them. 
Witness  the  following,  addressed  to  General  Greene, 
dated  at  his  camp,  June  3d: 

"Lord  Cornwallis  had  at  first  a  project  to  cross 
above  Richmond,  but  desisted  from  it  and  landed  at 
Westover.  He  then  proposed  to  turn  our  left  flank, 
but  before  it  was  executed  we  moved  by  the  left  to 


176  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  forks  of  Chiccahomony.  The  enemy  advanced 
twelve  miles,  and  we  retreated  in  the  same  proportion. 
They  crossed  Chiccahomony  and  advanced  on  the  road 
to  Fredericksburg,  while  we  marched  in  a  parallel 
with  them,  keeping  the  upper  part  of  the  country. 
Our  position  at  Mattapony  church  would  have  much 
exposed  the  enemy's  flank  on  their  way  to  Fredericks- 
burg,  but  they  stopped  at  Cook's  ford  on  the  North 
Anna  River,  where  they  are  for  the  present.  General 
Wayne  having  announced  to  me  his  departure  on  the 
23d,  I  expected  before  this  time  to  have  made  a  junc 
tion  with  him.  We  have  moved  back  some  distance, 
and  are  cautious  not  to  indulge  Lord  Cornwallis  with 
an  action  with  our  present  force. 

"The  intentions  of  the  enemy  are  not  as  yet  well 
explained.  Fredericksburg  appeared  to  be  their  object, 
the  more  so  as  a  greater  number  of  troops  are  said  to 
have  gone  down  than  is  necessary  for  the  garrison  of 
Portsmouth.  The  public  stores  have  been  as  well  as 
possible  removed,  and  every  part  of  Hunter's  works 
that  could  be,  taken  out  of  the  way.  It  is  possible 
they  mean  to  make  a  stroke  towark  Charlotteville,  and 
this  I  would  not  have  been  uneasy  for,  had  my  re 
peated  directions  been  executed.  But  instead  of  re 
moving  stores  from  there  to  Albemarle  old  Court 
House,  where  Baron  de  Steuben  has  collected  six 
hundred  regulars,  and  where  I  ordered  the  militia 
south  of  James  River  to  rendezvous, —  it  appears  from 
a  letter  I  received  this  evening,  that  state  stores  have 
been,  contrary  to  my  directions,  collected  there,  lest 
they  should  mix  with  the  continentals ;  —  but  rny  for- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  177 

mer  letters  were  so  positive,  and  my  late  precautions 
are  so  multiplied,  that  I  hope  the  precious  part  of  the 
stores  will  have  been  removed  to  a  safer  place.  I  had 
also  some  stores  removed  from  Orange  Court  House. 
Dispatches  from  the  Governor  to  me  have  fallen  into 
Uie  enemy's  hands  ;  —  of  which  I  gave  him  and  the 
Baron  immediate  notice. 

"  The  enemy  must  have  five  hundred  men  mounted, 
and  their  cavalry  increases  daily.  It  is  impossible  in 
this  country  to  take  horses  out  of  their  way,  and  the 
neglect  of  the  inhabitants,  dispersion  of  houses,  and 
robberies  of  negroes, —  should  even  the  most  vigorous 
measures  have  been  taken  by  the  civil  authorities, — 
would  have  yet  put  many  horses  into  their  hands. 
Under  this  cloud  of  light  troops  it  is  difficult  to  re 
connoitre,  as  well  as  counteract  any  rapid  movements 
they  choose  to  make." 

It  was  not  long  before  Cornwallis  with  great  cha 
grin  saw  that  the  "  boy "  was  successfully  eluding  his 
grasp.  The  distance  between  them  daily  increased, 
notwithstanding  all  the  efforts  made  by  the  British 
General  to  overtake  his  foe.  With  a  rapidity  only 
equalled  by  his  caution,  Lafayette  had  passed  the 
Pamunkey  before  the  British  army  had  reached  the 
Chiccahomony,  and  Cornwallis,  after  marching  some 
distance  up  the  northern  side  of  Northanora,  found 
that  the  Marquis  would  make  his  junction  with  Wayne 
in  spite  of  him,  and  gave  over  the  heat  of  his  pursuit 
while  he  turned  his  attention  to  other  objects  which 
were  more  attainable.  Lafayette,  however,  did  not 
relax  his  vigilance.  A  close  watch  of  his  adversary 


178  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

enabled  him  to  foresee  and  thereby  frustrate  some  of 
his  most  important  plans.  Cornwallis  found  himself 
harassed  and  frequently  outwitted,  exceedingly  to  his 
mortification.  He  dispatched  Tarleton  to  capture  the 
Assembly  of  Virginia,  which  was  then  in  Session  at 
Charlotteville  ;  but  before  Tarleton  could  get  there, 
Lafayette  had  contrived  to  forward  the  information, 
and  when  the  British  arrived, —  the  birds  had  flown. 
Colonel  Simcoe  was  sent  against  Baron  Steuben,  who 
defended  the  military  stores  at  the  Point  of  Fork,  but 
before  his  arrival,  the  Baron  had  removed  the  stores 
to  another  place,  and  saved  himself  by  a  hasty  retreat. 
Lafayette  watching  every  attempt  like  these,  endea 
vored  to  defeat  them,  while,  having  crossed  the  Ra- 
pidan,  he  awaited  the  junction  with  Wayne. 

General  Wayne,  with  the  Pennsylvania  line,  con 
sisting  of  about  eight  hundred  men,  at  length  joined 
him.  Though  this  addition  left  the  force  of  Lafayette 
still  feeble,  in  comparison  with  that  of  Cornwallis,  it 
was  yet  sufficient  to  determine  him  upon  a  new  course 
of  action.  The  Pursued  would  become  the  Pursuer. 
He  had  fled  long  enough,  too  long  to  suit  his  own 
temper,  and  now,  emboldened  by  his  reinforcement, 
he  recrossed  the  Rapidan,  and  moved  forward  upon 
the  enemy.  Upon  his  retreat  from  Richmond,  he  had 
removed  the  valuable  military  stores  from  that  place 
up  the  river,  and  deposited  them  principally  at  Albe- 
marle  old  Court  House.  In  order  to  capture  these, 
Lord  Cornwallis  was  directing  his  march  towards  this 
place,  when  Lafayette,  far  in  his  rear,  crossed  the 
Rapidan.  So  quick  were  the  evolutions  of  the  Mar- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  179 

quis,  that  he  came  and  encamped  within  a  few  miles 
of  the  British  army,  while  they  were  yet  a  full  day's 
march  from  Albemarle.  To  gain  this  place  before 
Cornwallis  could  reach  it,  was  now  the  bold  scheme 
of  the  Marquis,  but  the  game  was  a  difficult  one. 
Cornwallis,  whose  army-  occupied  and  fully  com 
manded  the  road  leading  to  that  place,  smiled  at  the 
eagerness  of  his  youthful  foe,  and  laid  an  easy  plan 
to  entrap  him.  Being  at  no  loss  to  understand  what 
the  design  of  Lafayette  must  be,  he  drew  off  the  main 
body  of  his  troops,  and  encamped  at  Elk  Island,  whiie 
he  advanced  his  light  troops  to  a  position  upon  the 
road  through  which  he  presumed  his  enemy  must  pass. 
This  was  on  the  fourteenth  of  June,  and  never  was 
a  fowler  after  having  carefully  spread  his  net,  surer 
of  his  prey,  than  Cornwallis  as  he  laid  down  to  rest 
that  night.  His  mortification  and  disappointment, 
therefore,  knew  no  bounds  when  he  arose  the  next 
morning  and  found  his  young  but  gallant  adversary 
in  front  of  him,  on  the  direct  road  to  Albemarle,  from 
which  he  would  not  be  tempted,  and  could  not  be 
easily  forced  to  leave.  Cornwallis,  in  this,  was  mis 
taken,  as  when  he  predicted  the  certain  capture  of 
the  youthful  commander  ;  who  had  in  this  instance 
proved  himself  fairly  a  match  for  the  man.  The  dex 
terity  of  Lafayette  had  completely  baffled  the  cal 
culations  of  Cornwallis.  His  vigilance  had  discovered 
a  shorter  road,  which,  as  it  had  long  been  disused,  had 
hitherto  escaped  observation.  Lafayette  opened  this 
road  on  the  same  night  that  Cornwallis  had  planned 
his  capture,  and  with  cautious  haste  marched  his 


180  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

troops  over  it,  crossed  the  Rivanna,  and  halted  se 
curely  behind  Mechunck's  creek,  on  the  direct  route 
from  the  British  camp  to  Albemarle.  The  whole 
records  of  the  war  scarcely  show  a  more  masterly 
movement  than  this.  Cornwallis  himself,  despite  his 
mortification,  could  not  repress  a  thrill  of  admiration 
at  this  exploit  of  his  gallant  foe.  He  never  afterward 
called  him  a  boy. 

Lafayette  though  elated  was  never  vain  from  his 
successes.  The  self-complacency  so  often  seen  in 
military  men,  and  the  bombastic  parade  shown  in  the 
recital  of  their  own  exploits,  never  appeared  in  him. 
The  reader  must  have  noticed  in  his  letters  already 
quoted,  the  quiet  unconcern  with  which  he  mentions 
his  own  performances,  as  if  unconscious  of  their  great 
ness.  With  singular  modesty  he  thus  relates  his  last 
mentioned  achievement:  "In  the  mean  time  the  Bri 
tish  army  was  moving  to  the  Point  of  Fork,  intending 
to  strike  our  magazines  at  Albamarle  old  Court  House. 
Our  force  was  not  equal  to  their  defense,  and  a  delay 
of  our  junction  would  have  answered  the  views  of  the 
enemy.  But  on  the  arrival  of  the  Pennsylvanians, 
we  made  forced  marches  toward  James  River,  and  on 
our  gaining  the  South  Anna,  we  found  Lord  Corn 
wallis  encamped  some  miles  below  the  camp  of  Fork. 
A  stolen  march,  through  a  difficult  road,  gave  us  a 
position  upon  Mechunck  creek,  between  that  of  the 
enemy  and  our  stores,  where,  agreeably  to  previous 
appointment,  we  were  joined  by  a  body  of  riflemen." 

Lord  Cornwallis,  over-estimating  the  force  of  the 
enemy,  but  chiefly  in  accordance  with  instructions 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  181 

from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  now  abandoned  his  designs 
against  Albemarle  and  began  to  retreat.  On  the 
fifteenth  of  June  he  proceeded  to  Westham  and  was 
closely  followed  by  the  Marquis.  Cornwallis  did  not 
venture  a  single  retrograde  action,  but  proceeded  care 
fully  forward  to  Richmond,  which  he  entered  the  sub 
sequent  day.  As  he  seemed  disposed  to  halt  here  for 
a  time,  Lafayette  took  up  his  position  on  Allen's  creek, 
about  twenty-two  miles  from  his  lordship,  where  he 
quietly  watched  his  foe.  On  the  18th,  Cornwallis 
moved  towards  him,  but  again  retired  into  the  town 
without  venturing  an  attack.  On  the  19th  the  Mar 
quis  was  joined  by  the  Baron  Steuben,  and  on  the  fol 
lowing  night  Richmond  was  evacuated,  and  Cornwallis 
pursued  his  retreat.  Lafayette  at  once  broke  up  his 
encampment  and  started  after  them.  "Having  fol 
lowed  the  enemy,"  says  he,  "our  light  parties  fell  in 
with  them  near  New  Kent  Court  House.  The  army 
was  still  at  a  distance,  and  Lord  Cornwallis  continued 
his  route  towards  Williamsburg,  his  rear  and  right 
flank  being  covered  by  a  large  corps  commanded  by 
Colonel  Simcoe.  I  pushed  forward  a  detachment 
under  Colonel  Butler,  but  notwithstanding  a  fatiguing 
march,  the  Colonel  reports  that  he  could  not  have 
overtaken  them,  had  not  Major  McPherson  mounted 
fifty  light  infantry  behind  an  equal  number  of  dra 
goons,  which,  coming,  up  with  the  enemy,  charged 
them  within  six  miles  of  Williamsburg.  Such  of  the 
advanced  corps  as  could  arrive  to  their  support,  com 
posed  of  riflemen,  under  Major  Call  and  Major  Willis, 
began  a  smart  action.  Enclosed  is  the  return  of  our 


182  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

loss.*  That  of  the  enemy  is  about  sixty  killed  and 
one  hundred  wounded,  including  several  officers,  a 
disproportion  which  the  skill  of  our  riflemen  easily 
explains.  I  am  under  great  obligations  to  Colonel 
Butler  and  the  officers  and  men  of  the  detachment,  for 
their  ardor  in  the  pursuit,  and  their  conduct  in  the 
action.  General  Wayne,  who  had  marched  to  the 
support  of  Butler,  sent  down  some  troops  under  Major 
Hamilton.  The  whole  British  army  came  out  to  save 
Simcoe,  and  on  the  arrival  of  our  army  upon  this 
ground,  returned  to  Williamsburg.  The  post  they 
occupy  at  present  is  strong,  and  under  protection  of 
their  shipping,  but  upwards  of  one  hundred  miles  from 
the  Point  of  Fork." 

Cornwallis  was  mortified  at  the  result  of  this  skir 
mish,  but  would  have  felt  it  more  keenly  had  he  un 
derstood  the  real  inferiority  of  force  which  Lafayette 
possessed,  and  which  \vas  greatly  exaggerated  to 
Cornwallis  by  his  skillful  marches.  His  lordship's 
estimate  while  he  was  pursuing,  was  nearly  correct, 
but  he  could  not  reconcile  the  great  prudence  which 
Lafayette  had  displayed  in  his  flight,  with  the  boldness 
he  now  manifested,  except  by  supposing  that  he  had 
received  large  reinforcements  to  his  troops.  "  It  has 
been  a  great  secret,"  Lafayette  afterwards  writes  to 
Washington,  "  that  our  army  was  not  superior,  and 
was  most  generally  inferior  to  the  enemy's  numbers. 

*  This  was  as  follows  :  —  two  captains,  two  lieutenants,  one  ser 
geant,  ten  privates,  wounded  ;  two  lieutenants,  one  sergeant,  six  privates, 
killed ;  one  sergeant  taken ;  and  one  lieutenant  and  iwelve  privates 
whose  fate  was  unknown. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  183 

Our  returns  were  swelled  up,  as  militia  returns  gene 
rally  are  ;  but  we  had  very  few  under  arms,  particu 
larly  lately,  and  to  conceal  the  lessening  of  our  num 
bers,  I  was  obliged  to  push  on  as  one  who  heartily 
wished  a  general  engagement.  Our  regulars  did  not 
exceed  one  thousand  five  hundred  ;  while  the  enemy 
had  four  thousand  regulars,  four  hundred  of  whom 
were  mounted.  They  thought  we  had  eight  thousand 
men.  I  never  encamped  in  line,  and  there  was  thus 
greater  difficulty  to  come  at  our  numbers."  "  General 
Greene,"  he  says  in  another  letter,  "only  demanded 
of  me  to  hold  my  ground  in  Virginia  ;  but  the  move 
ments  of  Lord  Cornwallis  may  answer  better  pur 
poses  than  that  in  the  political  line." 

Cornwallis  now  established  himself  at  Williamsburg, 
and  Lafayette  about  twenty  miles  above,  with  the 
Chiccahomony  between  himself  and  his  adversary. 
Neither  party,  however,  remained  in  this  position  long. 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  suspecting  that  a  combined  attempt 
was  about  to  be  made  by  the  allied  forces  against  New 
York,  and  deeming  himself  too  weak  to  resist  it, 
ordered  Cornwallis  to  send  him  a  detachment  of  the 
troops  under  his  command  in  Virginia.  After  com 
plying  with  this  requisition,  Cornwallis  thought  him 
self  not  strong  enough  to  remain  at  Williamsburg, 
and  resolved  to  retire  to  Portsmouth.  Accordingly,  on 
the  fourth  of  July,  he  marched  from  Williamsburg,  and 
determining  to  cross  the  river  at  James'  City  Island, 
he  encamped  that  day  favorably  for  the  passage.  But 
before  he  was  ready  to  move,  his  foe  was  near  him. 
Lafayette  left  his  camp  on  the  fifth,  crossed  the  Chic- 


184  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

cahomony  the  same  day,  and  pushed  his  best  troops 
within  eight  miles  of  the  British  camp.  He  learned 
that  Cornwallis  was  expecting  to  pass  the  river,  and 
he  at  once  formed  the  design  of  attacking  his  rear  after 
the  main  body  should  have  gone  over  to  Jamestown. 
Cornwallis,  however,  suspected  this.  He  knew  that 
the  ardor  of  Lafayette  would  not  allow  such  an  oppor 
tunity  to  escape  him,  and  as  soon  as  he  found  that  the 
Marquis  was  so  near,  he  resolved  to  make  one  more 
trial  of  stratagem  upon  him.  He  took  every  measure 
to  encourage  his  advance,  but  instead  of  passing  the 
river,  he  waited  an  attack.  At  the  same  time  he  took 
measures  to  induce  the  belief,  that  he  had  crossed  writh 
the  main  body  of  his  army.  His  light  parties  were 
all  drawn  in,  his  troops  were  held  compact,  and  made 
to  cover  as  little  ground  as  possible,  and  his  piquets, 
which  lay  close  to  the  encampment,  were  ordered  to 
yield  at  the  first  attack,  and  exhibit  an  appearance  of 
disorder  and  alarm.  To  add  to  the  deception,  the 
intelligence  was  spread,  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
British  had  reached  the  island,  and  a  few  troops  were 
stationed  there,  with  orders  to  make  such  demonstra 
tions  as  would  corroborate  this  news. 

Lafayette  was  fully  deceived.  The  plans  of  Corn 
wallis  were  so  complete,  and  were  carried  out  so 
accurately,  that  he  could  not  perceive  the  snare. 
Every  thing  looked  as  he  had  anticipated  ;  after  per 
sonally  reconnoitering  the  scene,  and  receiving  all  the 
intelligence  he  could  meet,  Lafayette,  on  the  6th  of 
July,  began  his  attack.  A  few  riflemen  were  de 
tached  to  harass  the  outposts  of  the  enemy,  while  he 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  185 

advanced  at  the  head  of  the  continental  troops  to  sup 
port  the  onset.  Every  thing  was  conducted  precisely 
as  Cornwallis  had  planned.  His  piquets  fell  back  in 
disorder,  and  thus  drew  on  the  Americans,  emboldened 
by  their  success,  in  a  rapid  pursuit.  The  main  body 
of  Cornwallis'  army  was  concealed  by  woods,  and 
General  Wayne,  wrho  was  first  in  advance,  soon  dis 
covered  it  moving  out  in  order  of  battle  against  him. 
Retreat  was  impossible,  and  that  brave  officer,  with  a 
boldness  almost  without  parallel,  rode  gallantly  for 
ward,  with  his  eight  hundred  men,  and  made  a  furious 
attack  upon  the  British  line.  The  action  was  kept  up 
with  spirit  for  some  time,  while  the  British  army  wras 
winding  its  fold  like  a  serpent  round  the  little  band. 
Lafayette  soon  came  up,  and  saw  at  a  glance  the 
crisis.  The  plan  of  Cornwallis  was  evident  in  a  mo 
ment,  and  perceiving  that  Wayne  was  outflanked  right 
and  left,  and  fast  becoming  surrounded,  he  ordered 
his  retreat.  A  line  of  light  infantry  was  drawn  up 
about  half  a  mile  in  his  rear,  and  by  a  skillful  move 
ment  Wayne  was  enabled  to  join  these  without  serious 
loss.  Here  they  remained  for  some  hours,  but  the 
British  army  did  not  pursue.  Cornwallis,  who  greatly 
overrated  Lafayette's  numbers,  judged  that  his  retreat 
was  a  stratagem  to  draw  him  into  an  ambuscade,  and 
accordingly  did  not  improve  the  advantage  he  had 
gained.  The  loss  of  Lafayette  in  this  action  was  one 
hundred  and  eighteen  men,  most  of  whom  belonged 
to  General  Wayne's  detachment.  The  conduct  of  this 
latter  officer  during  the  day  was  worthy  of  all  praise. 
"  It  is  enough,"  says  Lafayette,  "  for  the  glory  of 


186  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

General  Wayne,  and  the  officers  and  men  he  com 
manded,  to  have  attacked  the  whole  British  army, 
with  a.  reconnoitering  party  only,  close  to  their  en 
campment,  and  by  this  severe  skirmish,  hastened  their 
retreat  over  the  river." 

During  the  night  succeeding  the  action,  the  British 
proceeded  to  Jamestown,  and  soon  after  to  the  mouth 
of  James  river,  Cornwallis  encamping  at  Portsmouth. 
Lafayette  followed,  and  halted  in  the  vicinity,  on  Mai- 
van  Hill,  where  he  allowed  his  harassed  army  some 
repose.  Although,  says  Marshall,  no  brilliant  service 
was  performed  during  this  campaign,  yet  it  greatly 
enhanced  Lafayette's  military  reputation,  and  raised 
him  in  the  general  esteem.  That  with  so  decided  an 
inferiority  of  effective  force,  and  especially  of  cavalry, 
he  had  been  able  to  keep  the  field  in  an  open  country, 
and  to  preserve  a  considerable  proportion  of  his  mili 
tary  stores,  as  well  as  his  army,  was  believed  to  fur 
nish  unequivocal  evidence  of  the  prudence  and  vigor 
of  his  conduct. 

Active  warfare  seemed  now  suspended.  Cornwallis 
was  safely  entrenched  at  Portsmouth,  and  Lafayette 
had  little  else  to  do  than  to  watch  him,  and  prevent 
any  excursion  which  he  might  design  to  make.  In  this 
he  was  unceasingly  busy.  Lest  the  enemy  should  be 
inclined  to  retreat  to  North  Carolina,  he  ordered  the 
militia  to  guard  the  passes,  and  took  every  precaution 
to  cut  him  off  in  that  direction.  To  keep  his  own  line 
of  communication  open  with  Philadelphia  was  also  an 
object  of  his  strictest  attention.  His  spies  surrounded 
Cornwallis  everywhere.  They  were  in  his  camp  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  187 

very  apartment,  and  entirely  unsuspected,  were  com 
municating  to  Lafayette  his  daily  history  and  plans. 
One  of  Cornwallis'  own  trusted  spies  was  all  the  while 
faithful  to  Lafayette.     "  When  Cornwallis,"  says  Mr. 
Sparks,  "  had  retired  before  Lafayette,  and  was  near 
Williamsburg,   as   the    former   had   a   superior   force, 
Lafayette  did  not  choose   to  bring  him  to  a  general 
action  ;  but  he  wished  at  the  same  time  to  impress 
upon  him  the  idea  of  the  largeness  of  his  numbers,  in 
order  that  Cornwallis  might  not  be  induced  to  turn  up 
on  him,  and  thus  compel  him  again  to  retreat.    He  had 
taken  into  his  service  a  very  shrewd  negro  man,  whom 
he  had  instructed  to  go  into  the  enemy's  camp,  and 
pretend  to  give  himself  up  to  them.     This  task  the 
man  performed  with  so  much  cunning,  that  he  was 
actually  employed  by  Lord   Cornwallis  as  a  spy,  at 
the  time  he  was  acting  in  the  same  capacity  for  the 
other  side.     But  he  was  true  to  his  first  employer. 
Lafayette  wrote  a  fictitious  order  to  General  Morgan, 
requiring  him  to  take  his  station  at  a  certain  post  in 
conjunction  with  the  army.     The  paper  was  then  torn 
and  given  to  the  negro,  with  directions  how  to  pro 
ceed.      He    returned   to   Cornwallis,   who  asked  him 
what  news  he  brought  from  the  American  camp.     He 
said  there  was  no  news,  that  he  saw  no  changes,  but 
every  thing  appeared  as  it  was  the  day  before.     Hold 
ing  the  tattered  paper  in  his  hand,  he  was  asked  what 
it  was,  and  replied  that  he  had  picked  it  up  in  the 
American  camp,  but,  as  he  could  not  read,  he  did  not 
know  that  it  was  of  any  importance.     The  General 

took  it,  and  was  surprised  to  find  such  an  order.     He 
13 


188  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

had  not  heard  of  Morgan's  having  joined  the  army, 
or  of  his  being  expected.  It  made  him  cautious,  how 
ever,  for  a  day  or  two  before  he  was  undeceived,  and 
the  object  of  Lafayette  was  gained. 

Rumors  now  began  to  reach  Lafayette  that  his 
own  favorite  project  of  a  combined  attack  upon  New 
York  by  the  American  and  French  forces  was  soon 
to  be  attempted,  and  he  desired  earnestly  to  be  pre 
sent  and  engage  in  it. 

On  the  20th  July,  he  writes  to  Washington  : 
"  When  I  went  to  the  southward,  you  know  1  had 
some  private  objections  ; — but  I  became  sensible  of 
the  necessity  there  was  for  the  detachment  to  go,  and 
I  knew  that  had  I  returned  there  was  no  one  who 
could  lead  them  on  against  their  inclination.  My 
entering  this  state  was  happily  marked  by  a  service 
to  the  capital.  Virginia  became  the  grand  object  of 
the  enemy,  as  it  was  the  point  to  which  the  ministry 
tended.  I  had  the  honor  to  command  an  army  and 
oppose  Lord  Cornwallis.  When  incomparably  infe 
rior  to  him,  fortune  was  pleased  to  preserve  us  ; — 
when  equal  in  numbers,  though  not  in  quality  of 
troops,  we  have  also  been  pretty  lucky.  Cornwallis 
had  the  disgrace  of  a  retreat,  and  this  state  being 
recovered,  government  is  properly  reestablished.  The 
enemy  are  under  the  protection  of  their  works  at 
Portsmouth.  It  appears  an  embarcation  is  taking 
place,  probably  destined  to  New  York.  The  war  in 
the  state  would  then  become  a  plundering  one,  and 
great  manoauvres  be  out  of  the  question.  A  prudent 
officer  would  do  our  business  here,  and  the  Baron 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  189 

Sieuben  is  prudent  to  the  utmost.  Would  it  be  pos 
sible,  my  dear  General,  in  case  a  part  of  the  British 
troops  go  to  New  York,  I  may  be  allowed  to  join  the 
combined  armies  f '  In  another  letter  he  says, 

"  I  am  entirely  a  stranger  to  every  thing  that  passes 
out  of  Virginia,  and  Virginia  operations  being  for  the 
present  in  a  state  of  languor,  I  have  more  time  to 
think  of  my  solitude.  In  a  word,  my  dear  General,  I 
am  home-sick,  and  if  I  cannot  go  to  head  quarters 
wish  at  least  to  hear  from  thence.  I  am  anxious  to 
know  your  opinion  concerning  the  Virginia  campaign. 
That  the  subjugation  of  this  state  was  the  great  object 
of  the  ministry  is  an  indisputable  fact.  I  think  your 
diversion  has  been  of  more  use  to  the  state  than  my 
manoeuvres,  but  the  latter  have  been  much  directed 
by  political  views.  So  long  as  my  lord  wished  for  an 
action,  not  one  gun  has  been  fired,  but  the  moment 
he  declined  it,  we  began  skirmishing,  though  I  took 
care  never  to  commit  the  army.  His  naval  superi 
ority,  his  superiority  of  horse,  of  regulars  ; — his  thou 
sand  advantages  over  us  are  such  that  I  am  lucky  to 
have  come  off  safe.  I  had  an  eye  upon  European 
negotiations,  and  made  it  a  point  to  give  his  lordship 
the  disgrace  of  a  retreat. 

"  From  every  account  it  appears  that  a  part  of  the 
army  will  embark.  The  light  infantry,  the  guards, 
the  80th  regiment  and  Queen's  Rangers,  are,  it  is 
said,  destined  for  New  York.  Lord  Cornwallis,  I  am 
told,  is  much  disappointed  in  his  hopes  of  command. 
Should  he  go  to  England,  we  are,  I  think,  to  rejoice 


190  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

for  it.  He  is  a  cold  and  active  man,  two  dangerous 
qualities  in  this  southern  war. 

"  The  clothing  you  long  ago  sent  to  the  light  infan 
try  has  not  yet  arrived.  I  have  been  obliged  to  send 
for  it,  and  expect  it  in  a  few  days.  These  three  bat 
talions  are  the  best  troops  that  ever  took  the  field. 
My  confidence  in  them  is  unbounded.  They  are  far 
superior  to  any  British  troops  and  none  will  ever  ven 
ture  to  meet  them  in  equal  numbers.  What  a  pity 
these  men  are  not  employed  along  with  the  French 
grenadiers ; — they  would  do  eternal  honor  to  our 
arms.  But  their  presence  here,  I  must  confess,  has 
saved  this  state,  and,  indeed,  the  southern  part  of  the 
continent." 

The  intelligence  which  Lafayette  communicated  in 
these  letters  was  the  subject  of  Washington's  pro- 
foundest  consideration.  They  suggested  to  him  a  new 
plan,  which,  if  successful,  might  bring  a  decisive  tri 
umph.  Never  was  more  wisdom  displayed  in  war 
than  now.  He  determined  that  the  united  attack  upon 
New  York  should  be  brought  to  bear  upon  Cornwallis. 
With  the  new  reinforcements  which  Sir  Henry  Clin 
ton  had  received,  he  doubted  of  success  against  the 
city,  but  this  same  fact  assured  him  of  victory  over 
Cornwallis.  His  preparations  for  the  southern  move 
ment  were  necessarily  secret.  For  a  time  he  dared 
not  communicate  his  plans  to  Lafayette  lest  his  letters 
might  be  intercepted  by  the  enemy.  He  requested 
him  to  stay  in  Virginia  till  matters  should  be  reduced 
to  a  greater  certainty  than  at  present.  "  You  will  not 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  191 

regret  this,"  said  he,  "  especially  when  I  tell  you,  that 
from  the  change  of  circumstance  with  which  the  remo 
val  of  part  of  the  enemy's  force  from  Virginia  to  New 
York  will  be  attended,  it  is  more  than  probable  we 
shall  also  entirely  change  our  plan  of  operations." 
Such  hints  as  these  were  sufficient,  and  he  wrote  to 
Washington  accordingly.  "  For  the  present,"  he  says, 
"  I  am  of  the  opinion,  with  you,  that  I  had  better 
remain  in  Virginia; — the  more  so,  as  Lord  Cornwallis 
does  not  choose  to  leave  us,  and  circumstances  may 
happen  that  will  furnish  me  agreeable  operations  in 
the  command  of  the  Virginia  army.  I  have  pretty 
well  understood  you,  my  dear  General,  but  would  be 
happy  in  a  more  minute  detail,  which,  I  am  sensible, 
cannot  be  intrusted  to  letters." 

Count  Rochambeau  was  from  the  first  in  favor  of 
an  expedition  south,  against  Cornwallis,  and,  now  that 
it  had  met  with  Washington's  approbation,  he  readily 
assented  to  it.  The  French  had  left  Newport  and 
completed  a  junction  with  Washington  upon  the  High 
lands,  the  6th  of  July,  and  the  allied  army  was  now 
ready  for  any  movement  to  which  they  might  be  di 
rected.  Cheerinor  news  had  been  received  from  France. 
The  French  Government  had  agreed  to  furnish  the 
United  States  with  six  millions  of  livres,  and  were 
also  negotiating  for  an  additional  loan  of  ten  millions 
from  Holland.  The  Count  de  Grasse,  with  a  large 
naval  force,  had  sailed  for  the  West  Indies,  with  per 
mission  to  spend  the  summer  upon  the  American 
coast,  in  cooperation  with  Washington  and  De  Roch 
ambeau.  The  latter  officer  had  advised  him  of  a 


192  LIFE.OF  GENERAL 

probable  enterprise  in  the  Chesapeake  Bay  against 
Cornwallis,  leaving  it  for  him  to  sail  there  at  his  own 
discretion. 

The  most  cautious  management  was  now  necessary 
to  keep  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in  ignorance  of  the  pro 
posed  campaign.  Knowing  that  ths  British  General 
was  expecting  an  attack  upon  New  York,  Washing 
ton  kept  up  all  the  outward  preparations,  while  he 
secretly  directed  every  thing  towards  his  new  design. 
Letters  to  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  to  Lafayette  and 
others,  detailing  the  vast  plans  which  Washington 
was  making  for  the  enterprise  upon  New  York,  and 
recounting  the  importance  of  that  measure  to  the 
American  cause  were  sent,  and  according  to  his  inten 
tions  were  intercepted  and  carried  to  Sir  Henry  Clin 
ton.  The  British  General  was  entirely  imposed  upon, 
and  with  greater  vigor  than  ever  arranged  for  the 
defense  of  New  York.  In  one  of  these  letters  which 
Washington  had  written  only  for  Clinton's  eye,  he 
stated  that  an  attack  upon  New  York,  and  the  over 
throw  of  General  Clinton,  was  now  of  the  first  impor 
tance  and  must  soon  be  attempted  ; — for  that  he  was 
much  alarmed  at  the  success  of  a  general,  whom,  from 
experience,  he  knew  to  be  so  fertile  in  resources,  so 
vigorous  in  decision,  and  so  prompt  and  expeditious  in 
improving  every  advantage !  Still  further  to  encour 
age  the  deception,  Washington  in  person,  with  his 
engineers  and  chief  officers,  closely  reconnoitred  the 
defenses  of  New  York  and  took  plans  of  all  the  works, 
under  the  fire  of  their  batteries.  By  all  these  means 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  fully  deceived,  and  Washing- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  193 

ton,  as  soon  as  he  heard  that  the  Count  de  Grasse 
was  to  have  sailed  from  Cape  Francis  for  the  Chesa 
peake  on  the  3d  of  August,  was  ready  for  his  move 
ment. 

Meanwhile  General  Washington  had  sent  a  confi 
dential  officer  to  communicate  to  the  Marquis  his 
proposed  undertaking,  and  advise  him  to  make  prepa 
rations  accordingly.  Lafayette  received  the  news 
with  joy,  and  determined  that  the  enemy  should  not 
escape.  Every  movement  of  Cornwallis  which  would 
indicate  a  desire  to  retreat  to  North  Carolina  was 
carefully  observed,  and  guarded  against.  On  the  26th 
of  July  he  learned  from  a  servant  of  Cornwallis,  who 
constantly  kept  him  informed  of  his  master's  move 
ments,  that  the  army  was  preparing  to  leave  Ports 
mouth,  though  he  did  not  know  their  destination. 
Lafayette  suspected  that  it  might  be  starting  for  New 
York  and  longed  for  a  French  fleet  to  come  into 
Hampton  Roads,  just  then,  and  secure  the  prey.  In 
stead,  however,  of  proceeding  to  New  York,  Corn 
wallis  passed  up  the  Bay,  entered  York  River,  and 
landed  his  forces  at  York  and  Gloucester.  At  Glou 
cester  Point  he  began  his  entrenchments,  but  was  here, 
as  he  had  been  at  Portsmouth,  every  moment  under 
the  careful  surveillance  of  his  vigilant  foe.  After  a 
time  his  forts  at  Troy,  Kemp's  Landing,  Great  Bridge 
and  Portsmouth,  were  abandoned,  and  his  vessels  and 
baggage  with  all  the  troops  that  had  been  left  for 
garrison,  went  round  to  York.  The  cannon  left  at 
Portsmouth  were  spiked,  and  Cornwallis  began  to  erect 
heavy  fortifications  at  York  and  at  Gloucester,  so  as 


194  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

to  command  the  River  and  effectually  protect  himself. 
At  first  his  works  went  slowly  forward,  as  if  he  him 
self  were  uncertain  what  to  do,  but  afterwards  began 
to  progress  with  greater  rapidity.  A  dispatch  from  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  had  reached  him,  stating  that  he  had 
just  received  from  Europe  a  reinforcement  of  three 
thousand  Hessians,  and  that  consequently  he  would 
not  need  the  detachment  from  Cornwallis  which  he 
had  previously  ordered.  These  orders  were  therefore 
countermanded  and  his  lordship  was  directed  to  take 
a  strong  position  on  the  Chesapeake,  from  which,  as 
soon  as  the  storm  which  threatened  New  York  should 
blow  over,  he  might  prosecute  the  meditated  designs 
of  the  ministry  against  the  states  lying  on  that  Bay. 

Lafayette  held  his  position  on  James  River.  He 
received,  as  we  have  said,  the  plan  of  Washington, 
but  that  it  might  be  in  no  danger  of  being  divulged 
to  the  enemy,  he  did  not  disclose  it  to  a  single  indi 
vidual.  Under  different  pretexts  he  made  his  various 
dispositions  against  Cornwallis,  so  that  even  his  own 
officers  mistook  their  precise  nature.  Whether  Corn 
wallis  fathomed  them  or  not,  he  soon  saw  that  Lafay 
ette  was  cutting  off  his  retreat  to  the  Carolinas,  though 
he  could  not  yet  see  the  threatening  elements  which 
were  gathering  against  him  in  the  distance.  On  the 
19th  of  August  the  whole  American  army  was  put  in 
motion,  and  crossing  the  Hudson,  began  their  march 
for  Virginia.  General  Clinton,  completely  outwitted, 
considered  their  departure  merely  as  a  feint  to  cover 
their  design  upon  New  York,  and  does  not  seem  for  a 
moment  to  have  apprehended  the  terrible  danger  which 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  195 

threatened  Cornwallis.  Washington,  in  communicating 
to  Lafayette  their  departure,  enjoins  upon  the  Marquis 
the  closest  and  most  careful  efforts  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  the  enemy  before  the  allied  armies  should  arrive. 
"  As  it  will  be  of  great  importance,"  said  he,  "  to 
wards  the  success  of  our  present  enterprise,  that  the 
enemy,  on  the  arrival  of  the  fleet,  should  not  have  it 
in  their  power  to  effect  their  retreat,  I  cannot  omit  to 
repreat  to  you  my  most  earnest  wish  that  the  land 
and  naval  forces,  which  you  will  have  with  you,  may 
so  combine  their  operations,  that  the  British  army 
may  not  be  able  to  escape.  The  particular  mode  of 
doing  this,  I  shall  not,  at  this  distance,  attempt  to  dic 
tate.  Your  own  knowledge  of  the  country,  from  your 
long  continuance  in  it,  and  the  various  and  extensive 
movements  which  you  have  made,  have  given  you 
great  opportunities  for  observation ;  of  which  I  am 
persuaded  your  military  genius  and  judgment  will  lead 
you  to  make  the  best  improvement.  You  will,  my 
dear  Marquis,  keep  me  constantly  advised  of  every 
important  event  respecting  the  enemy  or  yourself." 
Lafayette,  as  we  have  seen,  had  anticipated  these 
injunctions.  By  his  untiring  vigilance  and  skillful 
manoeuvres,  he  had  driven  the  enemy  to  a  position 
most  favorable  to  his  plans,  and  it  was  no  part  of  his 
designs  that  he  should  now  escape. 

Cornwallis  soon  began  to  discern  the  terrible  fore 
shadowing  of  his  doom.  On  the  30th  of  August,  the 
Count  de  Grasse,  with  twenty-eight  ships  of  the  line,  se 
veral  frigates  and  convoys,  arrived  in  the  Chesapeake. 
Lafayette  at  once  sent  him  an  officer  to  commu 


196  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

nicate  the  intelligence  of  his  own  situation  and  that 
of  Cornwallis.  Learning  this,  the  Count  immediately 
detached  four  ships  of  the  line  to  block  up  York  River 
and  then  proceeded  to  land  for  Lafayette's  reinforce 
ment,  the  Marquis  do  St.  Simon  with  a  body  of  troops 
amounting  to  three  thousand  two  hundred  men.  These 
formed  a  junction  with  Lafayette  at  Williamsburg, 
on  the  5th  of  September.  He  united  himself  with 
Wayne,  wrho  had  been  stationed  on  the  south  side  of 
James  River,  and  so  quick  were  his  movements,  that 
Cornwallis  saw,  as  if  by  magic,  that  he  was  suddenly 
blockaded  by  sea  and  by  land,  with  hardly  a  possi 
bility  of  escape.  Perilous  as  was  his  situation,  he  de 
termined  upon  one  desperate  effort  to  free  himself 
from  it.  He  carefully  reconnoitred  Lafayette's  posi 
tion  at  Williamsburg,  and  though  strong,  he  deter 
mined  to  pass  it  and  retreat  to  the  South.  Lafayette 
discovered  this,  but  soon  found  also  that  the  plan  was 
.abandoned.  Cornwallis  sending  an  earnest  request  to 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  for  succor  determined  to  await  its 
arrival.  Meanwhile  he  labored  day  and  night  on  his 
defenses. 

The  Count  de  Grasse,  who  had  permission  to  serve 
on  the  American  coast  only  till  the  middle  of  October, 
was  anxious  to  commence  operations  immediately. 
Together  with  the  Marquis  St.  Simon,  he  urged  upon 
Lafayette  the  propriety  of  making  an  immediate  attack 
upon  the  enemy.  It  is  right,  said  they  to  Lafayette, 
that  you  who  have  had  all  the  difficulties  of  this  cam 
paign  should  now  be  rewarded  with  the  glory  of  its 
successful  termination.  They  argued  that  the  works 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  197 

of  Cornwallis  were  yet  in  an  incomplete  state,  and 
that  he  could  not  resist  a  sudden  attack  made  by  the 
forces  which  he  could  then  command.  All  these  were 
powerful  reasons  with  the  young  and  ardent  Marquis, 
but  yet  he  determined  to  await  the  arrival  of  the 
northern  armies.  The  attempt  upon  Cornwallis  in  his 
present  condition,  he  saw  would  be  attended  with 
great  bloodshed,  even  if  successful,  and  he  was  unwil 
ling,  unnecessarily,  to  risk  the  lives  of  the  brave  men 
who  had  followed  his  fortunes,  for  personal  glory. 
He  therefore  used  every  precaution  to  prevent  the 
escape  of  Cornwallis,  and  patiently  awaited  the  arri 
val  of  Washington  and  de  Rochambeau. 

Having  made  arrangement  for  the  transportation  of 
his  army  down  the  Chesapeake,  Washington,  accom 
panied  by  the  Count  and  the  Chevalier  de  Chastel- 
leux,  proceeded  directly  to  Virginia  ;  and  on  the  14th 
of  September,  Lafayette  joyfully  welcomed  them  to 
his  camp  at  Williamsburg.  Thence  they  proceeded  to 
Hampton,  where,  on  board  the  Ville  de  Paris,  the  plan 
for  the  siege  of  Yorktown  was  concerted  with  the 
Count  de  Grasse.  Everything  was  managed  to  the 
satisfaction  of  both  parties,  and  Washington,  as  he 
surveyed  with  high  approbation  the  dispositions  which 
Lafayette  had  made,  felt  certain  of  a  brilliant  success 
when  his  troops  should  arrive.  But  a  dark  cloud  sud 
denly  overshadowed  the  clear  sky  of  his  hopes.  In 
formation  reached  the  French  Admiral  that  the  British 
fleet  in  New  York  had  received  an  important  addition 
to  its  strength,  and  de  Grasse  supposed  by  this  that 
they  would  be  induced  to  venture  every  thing  for  the 


198  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

relief  of  Cornwallis.  Expecting  therefore,  that  they 
would  sail  directly  against  him,  and  as  his  present  con 
dition  was  unfavorable  for  a  naval  combat,  he  deter 
mined  to  sail  out  of  the  Bay  with  his  fleet  and  meet  the 
enemy  on  the  open  sea.  He  communicated  this  inten 
tion  to  Washington,  proposing  to  leave  a  few  frigates  to 
block  up  the  mouths  of  York  and  James  Rivers,  while 
he  went  in  quest  of  the  enemy.  Washington  received 
this  proposition  with  dismay.  The  moment  de  Grasse 
should  leave,  the  vision  of  certain  success  would  fade. 
A  temporary  naval  superiority  might  be  acquired  by 
the  British  in  the  Bay,  and  the  army  of  Cornwallis 
would  then  be  placed  in  perfect  security.  He  must 
not  leave,  said  Washington.  Writing  a  letter  to  de 
Grasse,  he  sent  Lafayette  with  it  on  board  the  vessel, 
and  requested  the  Marquis  to  use  his  personal  influ 
ence  with  the  Admiral,  to  dissuade  him  from  executing 
his  dangerous  designs.  Lafayette  felt  the  emergency 
and  acted  with  efficiency.  He  stated  the  crisis,  and 
plead  with  the  Count  to  remain.  He  appealed  by 
turns  to  his  honor,  his  pride,  and  his  patriotism.  He 
represented  that  the  capture  of  Cornwallis  would  pro 
bably  seal  the  triumph  of  America,  while  his  escape 
would  greatly  protract  the  war,  and  result  disgrace 
fully  to  the  allied  arms.  His  appeals  were  successful,  and 
the  Admiral  at  last  consented  to  forego  plans  his  thirst 
for  military  glory  had  suggested,  and  continue  his  post. 
The  troops  now  began  to  arrive,  and  on  the  25th 
of  September  the  last  division  debarked  near  Williams- 
burg.  With  high  hope  and  courage,  each  division 
swept  into  the  ranks,  and  on  the  28th  moving  forward 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  199 

in  four  columns  towards  Yorktown,  halted  about  two 
miles  in  front  of  the  enemy.  THE  SIEGE  OF  YORK- 
TOWIS*  now  commenced.  De  Rochambeau,  with  the 
French  corps,  took  advantage  of  the  woods,  the 
rideaux,  and  the  marshy  creeks,  so  as  to  confine  the 
enemy  to  within  pistol  shot  of  their  works.  The  left 
wing  of  the  French  battalions  rested  upon  the  river 
above  the  town,  and  their  right  extended  to  a  low  ra 
vine,  where  it  was  met  by  the  left  wing  of  the  Ame 
ricans,  whose  right  rested  upon  the  stream  below  the 
town.  The  investment  was  as  complete  and  as  close 
as  possible.  Mr.  de  Choisy,  with  a  body  of  troops, 
then  passed  over  to  Gloucester  on  the  opposite  side. 
Cornwallis  looked  out  upon  the  vast  array  which  now 
encircled  him,  as  the  fabled  draco  its  victim,  but  his 
great  heart  was  still  firm.  He  had  informed  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  of  his  peril,  and  had  no  doubt  that  suc 
cors  would  soon  arrive.  With  unbroken  fortitude  he 
determined  to  face  the  tremendous  array  till  he  should 
receive  aid,  and  reap  victory. 

Till  the  6th  of  October  the  besieging  army  was  em 
ployed  in  disembarking  and  bringing  upon  the  ground 
the  ordnance  and  other  requisite  implements  for  the 
onset.  As  soon  as  this  was  done,  the  work  went  for- 


*  "  York  is  a  small  village  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  which  bears 
that  name,  where  the  long  peninsula  between  the  York  and  the  James, 
is  only  eight  miles  wide.  On  the  opposire  shore,  is  Gloucester  Point,  a 
piece  of  land  projecting  deep  into  the  river,  and  narrowing  it,  at  that 
place,  to  the  space  of  one  mile.  Both  these  points  were  occupied  by 
Lord  Cornwallis.  The  communication  between  them  was  commanded 
by  his  batteries,  and  by  some  ships  of  war  which  lay  under  his  guns." — 

[Marshall 


200  fLIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ward  with  vigor,  but  the  strength  of  the  English 
army  and  the  character  of  the  General  who  com 
manded  it,  obliged  Washington  to  act  with  precision 
and  precaution.  On  the  night  of  the  6th  of  October, 
with  profound  silence,  a  trench,  six  or  seven  hundred 
toises  in  extent,  and  flanked  by  four  redoubts,  was 
opened  by  the  Americans  on  the  right,  within  six  hun 
dred  yards  of  the  British  lines.  At  the  same  time  a 
similar  one  was  completed  by  the  French  on  the  left. 
So  silently  was  this  done,  that  the  garrison  was  wholly 
unapprised  of  it  till  day  light,  by  which  time  the  em 
bankments  were  so  far  advanced  as  to  cover  the  men. 
Batteries  and  redoubts  were  speedily  completed  along 
the  fosse,  from  which  a  tremendous  fire  was  poured 
upon  the  enemy.  So  resistless  was  the  blaze  of  artil 
lery,  that  it  tore  in  pieces  most  of  their  batteries,  and 
on  the  eleventh  they  were  forced  to  withdraw  their 
cannon  from  the  embrasures,  and  scarcely  returned  a 
shot.  Kindling  a  spirit  of  emulation  between  the 
French  and  Americans,  Washington  was  able  to  pro 
secute  the  assault  wTith  great  rapidity.  On  the  same 
night  he  opened  his  second  parallel  within  three  hun 
dred  yards  of  the  lines.  This  was  commenced  noise 
lessly  as  the  first,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  next  day 
Cornwallis  first  discovered  it.  The  three  succeeding 
days  wrere  occupied  in  completing  the  trench.  The 
progress  now  was  seriously  harassed  by  two  redoubts 
of  the  foe  in  front  of  their  entrenchments,  and  which 
kept  up  a  galling  fire.  Washington  determined  to 
silence  these  with  the  bayonet.  The  attack  of  one 
was  given  to  the  Americans,  and  of  the  other  to  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  201 

French.  Lafayette  led  the  former  and  the  Baron  de 
Viomesnil  the  latter.  Says  de  Rochambeau,  "  Four 
hundred  grenadiers  debouched  at  the  head  of  this 
attack,  under  the  command  of  Count  William  de  Deux 
Fonts,  and  of  M.  de  1'  Estrapade,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
of  the  regiment  of  Gatinais.  M.  M.  de  Viomesnil  and 
Lafayette  made  so  impetuous  an  attack  that  the  re 
doubts  were  carried,  sword  in  hand,  at  the  same 
moment.  The  greater  part  of  the  men  in  them  were 
killed,  wounded,  or  taken  prisoners.  A  lodgement 
was  made  by  joining  these  redoubts  by  a  communica 
tion  to  the  right  of  our  second  parallel,  the  ground  on 
which  they  stood  affording  means  of  erecting  new 
batteries,  which  completed  the  blockade  of  Cornwallis, 
and  threw  balls  a  ricochet  into  the  whole  of  the  inte 
rior  of  the  place,  at  a  distance  \vhich  could  not  fail  to 
do  much  damage."  This  difficult  onset  was  carried 
on  and  finished  with  a  bravery  highly  gratifying  to 
Washington.  In  the  orders  for  the  succeeding  day, 
he  complimented  both  Lafayette  and  Viomesnil,  for 
their  judicious  dispositions  and  gallant  conduct  during 
the  attack.  "  The  General  reflects,"  he  concluded, 
"  writh  the  highest  degree  of  pleasure,  on  the  confi 
dence  which  the  troops  of  the  two  nations  must  here 
after  have  in  each  other.  Assured  of  mutual  support, 
he  is  convinced  there  is  no  danger  which  they  will  not 
cheerfully  encounter,  —  no  difficulty  which  they  will 
not  bravely  overcome." 

The   two  redoubts  which   had   been  taken  were  at 
once   included   in   the    second   parallel,  and  in  a  few 

hours    so-me    howitzers    were    mounted    upon    them, 
9* 


202  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

which  added  their  destructive  vollies.  Cornwallis  saw 
that  with  this  fire  the  town  would  be  untenable,  and 
his  situation  hopeless.  Unable  to  believe  that  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  would  leave  him  long  without  help, 
he  thought  to  gain  time  by  a  bold  movement.  On  the 
night  of  the  fifteenth  of  October,  he  sent  out  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Abercrombie  at  the  head  of  800  chosen 
men,  who  made  a  desperate  sortie  against  two  bat 
teries  which  appeared  to  be  in  the  greatest  forward 
ness.  So  valiant  was  the  the  charge,  that  they  gained 
possession,  and  spiked  four  guns  ;  but  were  hastily 
repelled  by  the  Chevalier  de  Chastelleux,  who  made 
a  deadly  assault  with  his  reserve.  The  cannon  wrere 
rendered  serviceable  again  six  hours  afterwards,  by 
the  care  of  General  d'  Abouville,  commanding  the 
French  artillery.  The  tremendous  fire-sheet  which 
now  blazed  upon  Cornwallis.  soon  dismounted  or  broke 
his  ordnance,  his  walls  were  fast  crumbling  into  the 
ditches,  and  nearly  all  his  defenses  were  razed.  Un 
willing  to  submit,  and  unable  to  remain  longer  with 
any  show  of  resistance,  he  formed  the  daring  design 
of  crossing  over  in  the  night  with  such  troops  as  were 
not  disabled,  to  Gloucester  Point,  and  with  forced 
march  hasten  to  rejoin  the  army  in  New  York. 
Boats  were  prepared,  and  so  secretly  were  the  ar 
rangements,  that  no  tidings  escaped  to  the  opposit 
encampment.  On  the  night  of  the  16th  of  October, 
a  division  was  embarked  and  passed  over  unperceived. 
But  before  the  boats  could  return,  a  violent  storm 
arose,  and  continued  till  dawn,  drifting  them  down  the 
river,  and  preventing  all  farther  execution  of  the  plan. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  203 

The  next  morning,  the  troops  which  had  crossed  were 
brought  back  again,  and  re-landed  on  the  southern 
shore  with  little  loss. 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  Cornwallis,  reduced  to 
the  last  extremity,  beat  a  parley,  and  offered  to  capit 
ulate.  On  the  19th,  formal  articles  of  capitulation 
were  signed,  by  which  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  mag 
nificent  army  were  made  prisoners  of  war.  The 
Americans  and  French  took  possession  at  noon  of  two 
bastions,  and  the  garrison  defiled  between  the  armies 
at  two  o'clock  in  the  p.  M.,  with  drums  beating,  carry 
ing  their  arms,  which  they  afterwards  piled,  with 
twenty  pair  of  colors.  Lord  Cornwallis  feigned  sick 
ness  to  avoid  surrendering  before  his  soldiers,  and 
General  O'  Hara  accordingly  appeared  at  the  head  of 
the  garrison.  "  When  he  came  up,"  says  Rocham- 
beau,"  "  he  presented  his  sword  to  me.  I  pointed  to 
General  Washington,  who  was  opposite  me  at  the 
head  of  the  American  army,  and  told  him  that  the 
French  army  being  auxiliaries  on  the  continent,  it  was 
the  American  General  who  was  to  signify  his  orders 
to  him."  As  the  result  of  this  capitulation  8,000  pri 
soners,  of  whom  7,000  were  regular  troops  and  1,000 
sailors  ;  214  pieces  of  cannon,  of  which  75  were  brass, 
and  22  pair  of  colors,  passed  into  the  hands  of  the 
allies.  The  men,  artillery,  arms,  military  chest,  and 
public  stores  of  every  denomination,  were  surrendered 
to  Washington,  the  ships  and  seamen  to  the  Count  de 
Grasse. 

The  news  of  the  surrender  at  Yorktown  sped   on 

the  wings  of  the  wind  all  over  the  land.     Bon-fires 
14 


204  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

were  lighted  on  almost  every  hill  top,  and  the  bells  of 
every  hamlet  in  the  country  rung  their  glad  acclama 
tions.  The  names  of  Washington, — Rochambeau, — de 
Grasse, —  Lafayette,  resounded  every  where.  Every 
association  of  note,  political  or  literary,  voted  them 
their  congratulations.  With  profound  gratitude  to 
the  Supreme  Disposer  of  all  events,  Congress  repaired 
in  solemn  procession  to  the  Dutch  Lutheran  Church; 
to  return  thanks  for  the  victory  to  the  Divine  Provi 
dence  which  had  granted  it.  Washington  also  ordered 
that  suitable  religious  service  be  performed  in  the 
camp  in  grateful  testimony  of  the  auspicious  event. 

To  follow  up  the  advantages  thus  gained,  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief  desired  to  make  an  expedition  against 
Charleston.  De  Grasse  was  solicited  to  lend  his  aid, 
and  Lafayette  was  deputed  by  Washington  to  over 
come  any  scruples  which  the  Admiral  might  have 
against  reengaging  in  the  enterprise.  The  Marquis 
repaired  on  board  the  Ville  de  Paris,  but  solicitations 
were  unavailing.  De  Grasse  replied  that  "  the  orders 
of  his  court,  ulterior  projects,  and  his  engagements 
with  the  Spaniards,  rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to 
remain  on  the  coast  during  the  time  which  wrould  be 
required  for  the  operation."  This  enterprise  failing, 
and  also  another  against  Wilmington,  which  was  also 
proposed,  military  action  for  the  season  seemed  to  be 
at  an  end.  The  army  went  into  winter  quarters, 
and  Lafayette  was  once  more  left  to  a  repose  ever 
irksome  to  him.  Desiring  again  to  revisit  his  native 
land,  and  thinking  that  he  might  be  serviceable  to  the 
cause  of  his  heart,  he  determined  to  return  to  France. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  205 

This  determination  was  not  opposed,  as  it  was  felt 
both  by  Washington  and  Congress  that  his  powerful 
cooperation  would  be  needed  in  the  negotiations  for 
an  honorable  peace,  which  it  was  hoped  would  now 
open.  Previous  to  his  departure,  he  received  the 
highest  testimonials  of  affection  and  respect,  not  only 
from  his  beloved  Commander  and  Congress,  but  also 
from  the  King  and  Ministry  of  France.  He  sailed 
from  Boston  in  the  frigate  Alliance,  on  the  22d  De 
cember,  1781. 

It  is  not  strange  that  Lafayette  was  next  to  free 
dom  in  the  magnanimous  heart  of  Washington.  From 
the  devotion  of  himself  and  fortune,  while  amid  the 
luxuries  of  an  ancestral  domain,  to  the  doubtful  strug 
gle  of  despised  "rebels  ;" — his  unselfish  adherence  to 
their  cause  when  repulsed  —  his  untiring  energy  and 
reliable  wisdom  in  the  camp  and  conflict  —  his  fidelity 
in  neglect,  under  fearful  discouragements,  and  in  the 
palace  of  his  sovereign  ;  have  probably  no  parallel  in 
the  annals  of  greatness  which  has  its  throne  within  a 
disinterested  human  bosom.  We  follow  his  youthful 
form  through  the  bloody  scenes  of  the  Revolution, 
with  a  personal  affection  and  admiration  peculiar  and 
unrivaled,  because  he  fought  on  foreign  soil,  and  was 
ready  to  die  for  STRANGERS.  We  know  America  could 
not  have  spared  Washington,  and  we  feel  that  Wash 
ington  could  not  have  spared  LAFAYETTE  ! 


CHAPTER  VI. 

LAFAYETTE'S  RECEPTION  IN  PARIS  —  AT  HOME  —  EFFORTS  FOR  AMERICA  — 
PREPARATIONS  OF  FRANCE  AND  SPAIN  —  LAFAYETTE  AT  CADIZ  —  NEGOTIA 
TIONS  FOR  PEACE  — TREATY  OF  PEACE  RATIFIED  — LAFAYETTE  AT  MADRID  — 
CONTINUED  ENDEAVORS  — FREE  PORTS  — DUTIES  ON  OIL  — DESIRES  TO  RE 
TURN  TO  AMERICA  —  EMBAKKS  AT  HAVRE  —  ARRIVAL  AT  NEW  YORK  —  EN 
THUSIASTIC  WELCOME  —  VISITS  WASHINGTON  AT  MOUNT  VERNON — TREATY 
WITH  THE  INDIANS  —  KAYEWLA  —  VISITS  BOSTON  —  RECEPTION  THERE  — 
PROCEEDS  TO  VIRGINIA  —  MEETS  WASHINGTON  AT  RICHMOND  —  RETURNS 
NORTH  — TAKES  LEAVE  OF  CONGRESS  —  RETURNS  TO  FRANCE —VISITS  FRE 
DERIC  THE  GREAT  —  INCIDENTS  —  PLANS  FOR  AFRICAN  EMANCIPATION  —  IN 
TERPOSES  IN  BEHALF  OF  PERSECURED  PROTESTANTS. 

Lafayette  was  greeted  warmly  by  his  countrymen. 
His  name  had  gone  back  to  the  realm  of  his  birth  like 
an  echo  of  liberty.  The  most  flattering  salutations 
met  him  at  court,  and  demonstrations  of  applause 
were  made  wherever  he  went.  But  the  silver  notes 
of  fame  were  not  so  sweet  as  the  familiar  accents  of 
love  in  the  bosom  of  his  family  ;  the  delights  of  home. 
In  the  social  circle,  his  hours  flew  pleasantly,  yet  he 
did  not  forget  America.  Every  ship  brought  him 
answers  to  the  many  letters  which  he  was  constantly 
transmitting  to  Washington  and  friends  in  the  new 
world.  He  thus  kept  himself  familiar  with  American 
affairs,  while  at  the  same  time  he  did  not  forget  to 
interest  himself  actively  in  their  behalf.  He  urged 
upon  the  ministry  the  necessity  of  forcing  peace  from 
England,  by  more  imposing  display  in  favor  of  the 
colonies.  So  forcible  were  his  representations,  that  a 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  2U7 

grand  armament  was  prepared  by  France  and  Spain, 
to  encounter  the  British  power  in  the  West  Indies 
and  North  America.  A  part  consisting  of  sixty  ves 
sels  and  twenty-four  thousand  men,  began  to  assemble 
at  Cadiz.  Lafayette  was  appointed  chief  of  the  staff 
of  the  united  armies,  and  himself  took  the  lead  of 
eight  thousand  troops  marching  from  Brest  to  the 
place  of  rendezvous.  So  vast  preparations  as  these, 
were  looked  upon  by  the  English  government  with 
apprehension,  and  quickened  their  negotiations  for 
peace.  Commissioners  were  appointed  by  the  United 
States  and  Great  Britain,  who  held  their  conferences 
in  Paris.  In  November  1782,  the  preliminary  articles 
for  a  peace  were  agreed  upon,  and  on  the  20th  of 
January,  1783,  the  final  treaty  was  signed.  Lafayette 
heard  this  news  with  bounding  heart  and  longed  to 
bear  the  glad  tidings  to  a  rescued  nation.  But  though 
the  King  of  Spain  had  signed  the  treaty  which 
acknowledged  the  independence  of  the  States,  he  re 
fused  to  receive  in  his  diplomatic  relation,  Mr.  Car- 
michael,  who  had  been  appointed  Charge  d'  Affaires  to 
court  of  Madrid.  Lafayette  was  then  at  Cadiz  pre 
paring  to  sail  for  America,  when  Mr.  Carmichael 
wrote  to  him  requesting  his  aid.  Forgetting  himself, 
he  instantly  resolved  to  forego  his  anticipated  pleasure. 
The  Count  d'  Estaing  granted  him  The  Triumph,  a  fast 
sailing  vessel,  which  the  Marquis  dispatched  with  a 
letter  to  the  President  of  Congress,  communicating  the 
tidings  of  peace,  while  he  hastened  to  Madrid  to  se 
cure  the  interests  of  his  adopted  country  there.  Arri 
ving,  he  had  an  interview  with  the  monarch  and  his 


208  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

minister,  and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing 
every  difficulty  removed,  in  the  full  recognition  of  Mr. 
Carmichael  in  his  official  character. 

THE  TRIUMPH  arrived  at  Philadelphia  on  the  23d  of 
March,  1783,  bearing  the  first  intelligence  of  peace. 
Congress  passed  suitable  testimonials  to  the  Marquis 
for  this  fresh  service,  and  Washington,  in  a  letter  to 
him  dated  April  5th,  thus  expresses  his  approbation  ; — 
"  It  is  easier  for  you  to  conceive,  than  for  me  to  ex 
press,  the  sensibility  of  my  heart  at  the  communica 
tion  of  your  letter  of  the  5th  of  February  from  Cadiz. 
It  is  to  these  communications  we  are  indebted  for  the 
only  account  yet  received  of  a  general  pacification. 
My  mind,  upon  the  receipt  of  this  intelligence,  was 
instantly  assailed  by  a  thousand  ideas,  all  of  them  con 
tending  for  preeminence ; — but,  believe  me,  my  dear 
friend,  none  could  supplant,  or  ever  will  eradicate  that 
gratitude,  which  has  arisen  from  a  lively  sense  of  the 
conduct  of  your  nation,  and  to  my  obligations  to  many 
of  its  illustrious  characters,  (of  whom,  without  flattery, 
I  place  you  at  the  head,)  and  from  my  admiration  of 
the  virtues  of  your  august  Sovereign,  who,  at  the 
same  time  that  he  stands  confessed  the  father  of  his 
own  people,  and  defender  of  American  rights,  has 
given  the  most  exalted  example  of  moderation  in 
treating  with  his  enemies. 

"The  armament  which  was  preparing  at  Cadiz,  and 
in  which  you  were  to  have  acted  a  distinguished  part, 
would  have  carried  such  conviction  with  it,  that  it  is 
not  to  be  wondered  at,  that  Great  Britain  should  have 
been  impressed  with  the  force  of  such  reasoning.  To 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  209 

this  cause,  I  am  persuaded,  the  peace  is  to  be  ascribed. 
Your  going  to  Madrid  from  thence,  instead  of  com 
ing  immediately  to  this  country,  is  another  instance, 
my  dear  Marquis,  of  your  zeal  for  the  American 
cause,  and  lays  a  fresh  claim  to  the  gratitude  of  her 
sons,  who  will  at  all  times  receive  you  with  open 
arms." 

The  independence  of  the  United  States  being  esta 
blished,  and  peace  once  more  restored  to  Europe, 
Lafayette  began  to  apply  himself  intensely  to  the 
commercial  relations  of  France  and  America.  The 
subject  was  one  foreign  to  his  former  habits  of  thought, 
and  one  upon  which  merely  military  men  would  have 
entered  with  reluctance  ;  but  Lafayette  brought  to  it  an 
energy  and  insight  into  all  its  details,  which  astonished 
his  friends.  By  his  exertions  the  ports  of  Dunkirk 
and  Marseilles,  of  L' Orient  and  Bayonne,  were  granted 
to  the  United  States  as  free  ports*  by  the  King  of 
France.  The  minister  of  commerce,  impressed  by 
the  representations  of  the  Marquis,  assured  him  that 
the  United  States  should  be  as  much  favored  in  France 
in  commercial  affairs  as  any  other  nation.  "  The  com 
plaints,"  said  he  to  Lafayette,  "  which  they  may  make 
to  you,  or  which  Mr.  Franklin,  and  the  other  Ameri 
can  ministers,  which  I  would  be  very  glad  to  see,  may 
transmit  to  me  on  their  behalf,  shall  be  examined  with 
great  attention,  and  government  will  not  suffer  them 
to  experience  any  kind  of  vexation."  A  considerable 

*  A  free  port  is  "  a  place  to  which  all  merchandises,  as  well  foreign 
as  domestic,  may  be  imported,  and  from  which  they  may  be  freely  ex 
ported." — DE  VERGENXES. 


210  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

portion  of  the  American  people  were  interested  more 
or  less  in  the  whale  fishery,  and  Layfayette  did  not 
overlook  the  fact.     He  urged  France   to  repeal  the 
duties  on  whale  oil ;    but  as  the   ministry  were   just 
then  beginning  to  encourage  the  fishery,  this  was  re 
fused.      He   then   took   another   method,   and   at  last 
gained  a  total  exemption  of  duties  for  sixteen  thousand 
quintals  of  oil,  to  be  furnished  by  merchants  of  Boston 
to  the  Contractor-General  for  lighting  the  cities  of  Paris 
and  Versailles.     "  I  worked  very  hard,"  he  says,  "  to 
bring  even  as  much  as  this  about,  and  am  happy  at 
having,  at  last,  obtained  a  point  which  may  be  agree 
able  to  New  England  and  the  people  of  Boston.      I 
wish  they  may,  at  large  know,  I  did  not  neglect  their 
affairs  ;  and  although  this  is  a  kind  of  private  bargain, 
yet  as  it  amounts  to  a  value  of  about  eight  hundred 
thousand  French  livres,   and  government   have  been 
prevailed   upon   to  take  off  all   duties,  it  can  be  con 
sidered  as  a  matter  of  importance."     The   Marquis7 
name  was  spoken  with  praise  on  both  continents,  and 
he  was  constantly  receiving  testimonials   of  grateful 
approbation.      "  The   unexampled   attention   to  every 
American  interest,"  writes  Mr.  Morris,  the  superin 
tendent  of  American  finance,  to  the  President  of  Con 
gress,  "  which  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  has  exhibited, 
cannot   fail   to   excite    the   strongest  emotions  in  his 
favor,    and  we   must,   at  the  same   time,   admire   the 
judgment  which  he  has  shown  in  the  manner  of  his 
applications,  as  well  as  the  industry  in  selecting  pro 
per  materials."      The    tokens  of  gratitude   received, 
together  with  the  kind  entreaties  by  which  they  were 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  211 

accompanied,  to  return  to  America,  determined  him 
again  to  re-visit  the  theater  of  his  toils  and  glory.  He 
longed  to  embrace  his  old  comrades  in  arms,  and  es 
pecially  to  sit  at  Washington's  feet,  and  learn  lessons 
of  peace  from  those  lips  which  had  been  so  wise  in 
war.  The  great  man  having  become  divested  of  the 
cares  of  public  employment,  and  the  responsibilities 
of  office,  was  enjoying  the  quiet  of  domestic  life  in  his 
villa  at  Mount  Vernon.  Inviting  the  Marquis  to  visit 
him,  he  thus  describes  his  pleasant  situation  ;  "  at 
length  I  have  become  a  private  citizen  on  the  banks 
of  the  Potomac  ;  and  under  the  shadow  of  my  own 
vine,  and  my  own  fig  tree,  free  from  the  bustle  of  the 
camp,  and  the  busy  scenes  of  public  life,  I  am  solacing 
myself  with  those  tranquil  enjoyments,  of  which  the 
soldier  who  is  ever  in  pursuit  of  fame, —  the  statesman 
whose  watchful  days  and  sleepless  nights  are  spent  in 
devising  schemes  to  promote  the  welfare  of  his  own, 
perhaps  the  ruin  of  other  countries,  as  if  this  globe 
was  insufficient  for  us  all, —  and  the  courtier,  who  is 
always  watching  the  countenance  of  his  prince,  in  the 
hope  of  catching  a  gracious  smile, —  can  have  very 
little  conception.  I  have  not  only  retired  from  all 
public  employments,  but  am  retiring  within  myself, 
and  shall  be  able  to  view  the  solitary  walk,  and  tread 
the  paths  of  private  life,  with  heart-felt  satisfaction. 
Envious  of  none,  I  am  determined  to  be  pleased  with 
all ;  and  this,  my  clear  friend,  being  the  order  of  my 
march,  I  will  move  gently  down  the  stream  of  life, 
until  I  sleep  with  my  fathers." 

This  invitation  Lafayette  could  not  resist.     It  was 


212  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

attended  also  with  a  polite  request  that  the  Marchio 
ness  should  also  visit  Mt.  Vernon  ;  but  this  she  could 
not  accept.  The  Marquis  embarked  alone.  He  sailed 
from  Havre  on  the  1st  of  July,  and  arrived  at  New 
York  on  the  4th  of  August.  Nothing  could  exceed 
the  cordiality  of  his  reception  there.  It  was  the  first 
time  he  had  entered  the  city,  and  as  soon  as  it  was 
known  that  he  had  arrived,  all  ranks  of  the  citizens 
left  their  usual  occupations,  and  hastened  to  welcome 
him  to  their  shores.  A  splendid  entertainment  was 
given  him  the  day  after  his  arrival,  when  the  officers, 
whom  he  had  fought  with  in  the  Revolution,  appeared 
in  their  uniforms,  which  had  been  long  cast  aside,  but 
were  now  resumed  in  honor  of  the  occasion.  From 
New  York  he  proceeded  to  Philadelphia,  where  the 
happy  news  of  his  arrival  from  Europe  had  preceded 
him.  Before  he  reached  the  city  a  numerous  escort 
came  out  to  meet  him  with  the  most  enthusiastic 
tokens  of  welcome.  He  entered  the  city  amid  the 
ringing  of  bells  and  the  thunder  of  cannon.  The  streets 
through  which  he  passed  were  thronged  with  specta 
tors  ;  every  door  and  window  presenting  happy  faces 
which  beamed  with  delight  upon  the  distinguished 
guest.  The  corps  of  officers  from  the  Pennsylvania 
line  deputed  Generals  Wayne,  St.  Glair,  and  Irwin,  to 
congratulate  him  upon  his  arrival,  and  to  welcome  him 
to  the  scenes  of  his  former  toils  and  fame.  The  legis 
lature  of  Pennsylvania  voted  him  a  flattering  address, 
and  all  classes  were  engaged  in  a  generous  rivalry  to 
do  him  honor. 

But,  meanwhile,  the  subject  of  all  these  demonstra- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  213 

tions  was  impatient  to  behold  again  his  illustrious  pa 
tron  and  friend.  Tearing  himself  away  from  scenes 
of  festivity,  he  left  Philadelphia  on  the  14th  of  August, 
and  after  stopping  at  Baltimore,  arrived  on  the  19th  at 
Mt.  Vernon,  beneath  the  roof  hallowed  by  the  pre 
sence  and  the  virtues  of  Washington.  "  When  we 
reflect  upon  the  principal  events  in  the  lives  of  these 
two  illustrious  men  ; —  the  difference  in  their  ages  and 
countries  ; —  the  distance  which  separated  them  from 
each  other  ; —  the  circumstances  which  brought  them 
together  ;  —  the  importance  of  the  scenes  through 
which  they  had  passed  ; — the  glorious  success  of  their 
courageous  efforts  ; —  their  mutual  anxiety  again  to 
embrace  each  other  ; — the  tender  and  truly  paternal 
esteem  of  the  one,  and  the  respect,  admiration,  and 
filial  attachment  of  the  other  ; — when  we  reflect  upon 
all  this,  we  find  that  everything  contributed  to  stamp 
this  interesting  interview  with  a  sublimity  of  charac 
ter,  which  had  no  prototype  in  the  annals  of  man." 

Twelve  blissful  days  were  spent  at  Mount  Vernon, 
at  the  close  of  which  he  returned  to  the  north.  Nego 
tiations  with  the  allied  tribes  of  Indians  wrere  now  in 
progress,  and  his  influence  over  them  being  widely 
extended,  he  was  invited  to  join  the  commissioners  of 
peace,  and  assist  them  in  their  "  talk"  with  the  Indians. 
Fort  Schuyler  was  the  place  of  meeting,  and  crowds 
assembled  to  witness  the  ceremony.  In  sullen  silence 
the  Indians  ranged  themselves  to  listen  to  the  \vords 
of  Kayewla,  as  they  termed  Lafayette.  They  had 
been  leagued  in  hostility  against  the  whites,  and  it 
was  feared  that  they  would  still  refuse  all  propositions 


214  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  peace.  Lafayette  had  frequently  been  called  to  treat 
with  them  during  the  war  and  possessed  a  strong  hold 
over  their  rude  minds.  He  now  addressed  them, 
pointing  out  the  advantages  of  peace,  and  the  inevi 
table  destruction  which  awaited  them,  if  they  persisted 
in  ravaging  the  frontiers.  The  lordly  denizens  of  the 
forest  heard  him  with  a  confidence  which  they  would 
not  have  given  any  other  white  man,  and  as  he  closed 
his  speech,  his  point  was  gained.  '*  Father,"  said  one  of 
the  chiefs  in  reply,  "  we  have  heard  thy  voice,  and  we 
rejoice  that  thou  hast  visited  thy  children,  to  give  to 
them  good  and  necessary  advice.  Thou  hast  said  that 
we  have  done  wrong  in  opening  our  ears  to  wicked 
men,  and  closing  our  hearts  to  thy  counsels.  Father  ! 
it  is  all  true  ;  —  we  have  left  the  good  path  ;  we 
have  wandered  away  from  it,  and  been  enveloped  in  a 
black  cloud.  We  have  now  returned,  that  thou  may- 
est  find  in  us,  good  and  faithful  children.  Father !  we 
rejoice  to  hear  thy  voice  among  us;  —  it  seems  that 
the  Great  Spirit  has  directed  thy  footsteps  to  this 
council  of  friendship,  to  smoke  the  calumet  of  peace 
and  fellowship,  with  thy  long  lost  children." 

After  making  presents  to  the  chiefs,  he  left  them 
with  the  treaty  fully  ratified,  and  proceeded  on  his 
way  amid  the  acclamations  and  public  rejoicings  of 
every  community  through  which  he  passed.  Pressing 
invitations  were  now  crowding  upon  him  to  visit  Bos 
ton,  and  he  accordingly  directed  his  journey  towards 
that  cradle  of  liberty, —  the  metropolis  of  New  Eng 
land.  On  his  way,  enthusiastic  demonstrations  of  wel 
come  were  given  him  at  Hartford  and  Worcester, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  215 

as  well  as  at  the  smaller  towns  through  which  his 
road  lay.  But  it  was  for  Boston  to  crown  his  ovation 
with  the  richest  triumph.  Before  he  reached  the  city 
a  magnificent  military  procession,  bearing  the  flags  of 
America  and  France,  came  out  to  escort  him  thither. 
A  salute  of  thirteen  guns  greeted  him  as  he  came  in 
sight,  which  was  also  the  signal  for  a  vast  number  of 
citizens  to  join  the  cavalcade.  With  great  pomp,  led 
on  by  martial  music,  and,  over  all,  the  renewed  peal 
ing  of  bells,  he  was  ushered  into  the  metropolis. 
Every  street  through  which  he  passed,  as  well  as  the 
doors,  windows,  and  roofs  of  the  houses,  was  filled 
with  spectators,  who  made  the  air  ring  with  their  un 
ceasing  acclamations.  As  he  passed  up  State  street, 
another  salute  of  thirteen  guns  was  fired.  With  these 
rejoicings  he  \vas  conducted  to  his  lodgings,  and  on 
the  evening  of  this  memorable  day,  the  municipal  au 
thorities  ordered  the  lamps  of  the  city  to  be  re-lighted 
for  the  first  time  since  the  conclusion  of  the  war.  Fire 
works  and  illuminations  were  the  order  of  the  night. 
The  state  government  also  united  with  that  of  the 
city  in  their  enthusiastic  expressions  of  regard.  On 
the  19th  of  October,  the  anniversary  of  the  capitu 
lation  of  Cornwallis, —  the  governor  of  the  state  — 
the  president  of  the  senate — the  speaker  of  the  house 
of  representatives  —  the  executive  council,  and  the 
members  of  the  two  houses  —  assembled  in  the  great 
hall  of  audience,  to  offer  their  congratulations  to  La 
fayette  on  his  happy  arrival  in  America.  "  When  the 
Marquis  was  introduced,  the  governor,  in  eloquent,  and 
impressive  terms,  testified  the  high  esteem  and  grati- 


216  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

tude  entertained  for  him  by  the  state  of  Massachusetts, 
the  remembrance  of  which  could  never  be  effaced. — 
The  report  of  this  ceremony  having  spread  itself  over 
the  city,  all  the  neighboring  streets  were  completely 
crowded  with  people,  and  it  was  with  great  difficulty 
that  a  lane  was  formed,  by  the  military  through  the 
multitude,  to  the  City  Hotel.  When  this  was  effected, 
Lafayette  appeared,  accompanied  by  the  governor, 
the  members  of  the  legislature,  the  old  continental  offi 
cers,  the  clergymen  of  different  sects,  and  the  principal 
citizens,  who  escorted  him  into  the  great  saloon  of  the 
the  hotel,  where  an  entertainment  had  been  prepared 
for  five  hundred  persons.  Thirteen  arcades  were 
thrown  across  the  bottom  of  the  saloon,  emblematical 
of  the  thirteen  states  of  the  Union.  Lafayette  was 
seated  beneath  the  center  arch,  from  which  a  fleur  de 
lis  was  suspended.  After  dinner,  thirteen  patriotic 
toasts  were  drunk,  and  each  one  celebrated  by  thirteen 
guns  stationed  in  the  market  place.  When  the  health 
of  WASHINGTON  was  pronounced,  a  curtain,  placed 
behind  Lafayette,  immediately  fell,  and  disclosed  the 
portrait  of  that  great  man,  encircled  with  laurels,  and 
decorated  with  the  flags  of  America  and  France.  La 
fayette  arose  and  steadfastly  regarded  it  with  a  mix 
ture  of  tenderness,  pleasure  and  surprise.  For  a 
few  moments  he  gazed  in  silent  admiration,  when  a 
voice  exclaimed,  —  '  LONG  LIVE  WASHINGTON  !'  —  the 
effect  was  electrical ; — the  name  of  the  gallant  chief 
tain  of  liberty  resounded  from  all  parts  of  the  room, 
and  the  shouts  of  '  LONG  LIVE  WASHINGTON  !'  were 
drowned  amid  peals  of  applause  and  enthusiastic  accla- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  217 

mations.  On  the  same  evening  Mrs.  Hayley  gave  a 
grand  ball,  accompanied  with  splendid  fireworks  in 
honor  of  Lafayette,  and  her  house  was  brilliantly  illu 
minated.  The  legislative  assembly  granted  him  the 
privilege  of  assisting  in  their  sittings,  wrhich  he  fre 
quently  made  use  of  during  his  stay  in  Boston." 

The  scenes  through  which  he  now  passed  were  a 
continual  triumph.  The  magnificent  welcome  which 
Bonaparte  afterwards  received,  when  his  negotiations 
at  Bayonne  had  added  the  Spanish  crown  to  the 
French  domain,  did  not  exceed  that  which  Lafayette 
now  enjoyed.  The  triumph  of  the  Emperor,  while  it 
displayed  the  most  enthusiastic  admiration  on  the  part 
of  his  people,  manifested  but  little  love ;  while  that  of 
the  'Marquis  mingled  the  highest  admiration  with  the 
warmest  affection.  From  Boston  he  visited  the  towns 
of  Salem,  Cape  Ann,  Marblehead,  Beverly,  Newbury- 
port,  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  and  then  returning  to  Bos 
ton  he  proceeded  to  Providence  and  the  scenes  of  his 
active  labors  in  Rhode  Island.  Returning  once  more 
to  Boston  he  embarked  in  the  royal  frigate  La  Nymphe 
and  sailed  for  the  theater  of  his  greatest  military 
glory,  —  the  mouth  of  York  River  in  Chesapeake  Bay. 
He  landed  at  Yorktown,  but  it  was  with  no  ordinary 
emotions  that  he  set  his  foot  upon  shore  and  looked 
over  the  scenes,  consecrated  by  the  triumphant  issue 
of  the  struggle  for  American  freedom.  Before  him 
was  Virginia  and  here  was  Yorktown  where  he  had 
baffled  the  manoeuvres,  restricted  the  operations  and 
involved  in  inextricable  toils  one  of  the  bravest  and 
most  accomplished  generals  of  Europe.  A  thrill  of 


218  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

rapture  rioted  in  his  breast,  as  he  reflected  on  the  part 
he  had  been  allowed  to  play  in  the  great  struggle  and 
its  successful  issue.  He  knew  that  his  efforts  had  been 
important,  and  it  is  not  strange  that  he  felt  this,  more 
than  he  had  ever  done  before,  as  he  now  entered  York- 
town.  Talk  about  the  modesty  of  genius,  ye  who  will ; 
true  greatness  is,  and  should  be,  conscious  of  itself. 
We  have  no  sympathy  with  that  mawkish  feeling 
which  denies  to  the  man  possessed  of  any  thing  true 
and  noble  all  knowledge  of  its  worth.  The  great  soul 
looks  upon  itself  with  the  same  calm  eye  with  which  it 
measures  the  pigmies  around  it,  and  it  cannot  but  see 
the  difference  between  it  and  them.  This  feeling  is, 
however,  diverse  as  the  poles  from  the  puffed  up  vanity 
belonging  to  some  minds.  A/ vain  mind  must  necessa 
rily  be  in  some  respects  a  little  mind  and  utterly  igno 
rant  of  the  conscious  dignity  which  belongs  to  great 
ness.  True  greatness  knows  and  feels  its  own  nature 
and  rises  to  a  sublime  elevation  when  contemplating, 
as  Lafayette  now  did,  the  scenes  wherein  it  has  mani 
fested  itself. 

From  Yorktown  the  Marquis  proceeded  to  Williams- 
burg  whose  inhabitants  came  out  and  received  their 
gallant  defender  with  indescribable  marks  of  enthu 
siasm  and  love.  From  this  city  he  proceeded  to 
Richmond,  which  he  entered  on  the  18th  of  November, 
meeting  with  a  reception  transcending,  if  possibb,  all 
former  display.  Washington  was  waiting  for  him  here, 
and  after  the  gallant  Marquis  had  received  the  con 
gratulations  of  the  city  and  the  legislature  of  the  state, 
then  in  session  at  Richmond,  he  accompanied  his  re- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  219 

vered  friend  once  more  to  the  shades  of  Mount  Ver- 
non.  For  about  a  week  he  remained,  enjoying  the 
hospitality  of  the  Father  of  his  country  and  then  the 
two  friends  proceeded  together  to  Annapolis.  At  this 
city  and  at  Alexandria  they  remained  for  some  time, 
honoring  with  their  presence  the  brilliant  festivals 
given  them  there.  The  legislatures  of  both  Virginia 
and  Maryland  voted  flattering  addresses  and  conferred 
upon  him  and  his  male  heirs  the  rights  of  citizenship  in 
each  of  these  states.  The  honors  accorded  to  the 
Marquis  in  this,  the  theater  of  his  hardest  toil  and 
brightest  glory,  fell  gratefully  upon  his  heart  and  lay 
there  like  sunbeams  brightening  and  warming  some  of 
the  dark  and  cold  scenes  through  which  he  was  after 
wards  to  pass. 

But,  however  pleasant  these  festivities  to  the  hero, 
different  duties  awaited  him.  He  could  not  bring  him 
self  to  trespass  too  long  upon  the  generous  hospitality 
of  the  people  whom  his  own  arm  had  sped  forward  to 
freedom.  He  was  still  young,  and  he  was  not  satisfied 
to  allow  the  life  before  him  to  be  spent  in  inactivity. 
His  name,  written  upon  the  baptismal  register  of  Ame 
rica,  he  would  have  also  ineffaceably  inscribed  upon 
the  records  of  Europe.  His  reception  here  had  been 
more  flattering  than  he  had  dreamed  of,  and  met  with 
his  overflowing  thankfulness,  but  the  time  which  he 
had  assigned  for  his  visit  was  now  drawing  to  a  close, 
and  he  prepared  to  return  to  France.  At  Annapolis 
he  parted,  for  the  last  time,  with  his  revered  friend. 
It  was  a  mournful  separation  to  both,  for  they  seemed 
to  have  a  premonition  that  they  should  see  each  other's 
15 


220  LIFE  OF  GEXERAL 

face  no  more.  This  presentiment  saddened  the  buoy 
ant  spirit  of  Lafayette,  while  it  deepened  the  natural 
gravity  of  Washington,  as  each  gave  to  the  other  his 
parting  adieux.  "  In  the  moment  of  our  separation," 
writes  Washington  afterwards  to  him,  "  and  every 
hour  since,  I  have  felt  all  that  love,  respect  and  attach 
ment  for  you,  with  which  length  of  years,  close  con 
nection,  and  your  merits  have  inspired  me.  I  often 
asked  myself,  as  our  carriages  separated,  whether  that 
was  the  last  sight  I  should  ever  have  of  you,  —  and 
though  I  wished  to  say,  JVb;  my  fears  answered,  Yes. 
I  called  to  mind  the  days  of  my  youth,  and  found  they 
had  fled  to  return  no  more  ;  —  that  I  was  now  descend 
ing  the  hill  I  had  been  fifty  years  climbing,  and  that, 
though  I  was  blest  with  a  good  constitution,  I  was  of 
a  short  lived  family,  and  might  soon  expect  to  be  en 
tombed  in  the  mansion  of  my  fathers.  These  thoughts 
darkened  the  shades  and  gave  a  gloom  to  the  picture, 
and,  consequently,  to  my  prospect  of  seeing  you  again.'7 
Journeying  northward,  the  Marquis  took  leave  of 
Congress,  which  was  then  in  session  at  Trenton.  Ap 
propriate  marks  of  consideration  were  awarded  him 
by  that  body,  who  appointed  a  committee,  consisting 
of  one  member  from  each  state,  to  receive  and  take 
leave  of  him  in  their  name.  They  instructed  the  com 
mittee  to  assure  Lafayette  "  that  Congress  continue  to 
entertain  the  same  high  sense  of  his  abilities  and  zeal 
to  promote  the  welfare  of  America,  both  here  and  in 
Europe,  which  they  have  frequently  expressed  and 
manifested  on  former  occasions,  and  which  the  recent 
marks  of  his  attention  to  their  commercial  and  other 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  221 

interests,  have  perfectly  confirmed.  That,  as  his  uni 
form  and  unceasing  attachment  to  this  country  has 
resembled  that  of  a  patriotic  citizen,  the  United  States 
regard  him  with  particular  affection,  and  will  not  cease 
to  feel  an  interest  in  whatever  may  concern  his  honor 
and  prosperity ;  —  and  that  their  best,  and  kindest 
wishes  will  always  attend  him.'7  Mr.  Jay,  as  chairman 
of  the  committee,  communicated  to  the  Marquis  these 
instructions,  and  received  a  reply,  every  syllable  of 
which  came  warmly  from  a  heart  still  beating  with 
affection  for  the  new  born  Republic.  It  concluded  as 
follows :  "  In  unbounded  wishes  to  America,  Sir,  I  am 
happy  to  observe  the  prevailing  disposition  of  the  peo 
ple  to  strengthen  the  confederation,  preserve  public 
faith,  regulate  trade,  and,  in  a  proper  guard  over  conti 
nental  magazines  and  frontier  posts,  in  a  general  system 
of  militia,  in  foreseeing  attention  to  the  navy,  to  ensure 
every  kind  of  safety.  MAY  THIS  IMMENSE  TEMPLE  OF 

FREEDOM  EVER  STAND  A  LESSON  TO  OPPRESSORS,  AN 
EXAMPLE  TO  THE  OPPRESSED,  AND  A  SANCTUARY  FOR 

THE  RIGHTS  OF  MANKIND  !  and  may  these  happy  United 
States  attain  that  complete  splendor  and  prosperity 
which  will  illustrate  the  blessings  of  their  government, 
and  for  ages  to  come,  rejoice  the  departed  souls  of  its 
founders."  MAY  IT  STAND!  Perish  the  hand  that 
would  dare  to  pluck  a  stone  from  this  majestic  temple, 
after  this  prayer  for  its  perpetuity  from  the  lips  of  one 
in  whose  blood  was  laid  its  corner  stone.  Patriotism 
now  re-utters  the  invocation  of  Lafayette,  and  prays 
that  age  after  age  may  only  strengthen  the  foundations 


222  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  this  edifice,  and  that  each  revolving  cycle  of  time 
may  find  it  indeed  to  be, 

"  monumentum  sere  perennius 
Rcgalique  situ,  pyramidum  altius." — Horace. 

With  the  blessing  of  every  one  resting  upon  him, 
Lafayette  proceeded  on  to  New  York  and  embarked 
again  for  France.  On  the  25th  of  December,  1784, 
he  sailed  from  America  for  the  third  time,  and  after  a 
prosperous  voyage  on  board  the  La  Nymphe  Frigate, 
he  arrived  in  Paris  on  the  25th  of  January,  1785. 

Again  in  Europe,  the  mind  of  Lafayette  became 
incessantly  active  on  the  interesting  and  important 
field  which  opened  before  him.  He  now  entered  the 
theater  of  European  politics  for  the  first  time,  though 
his  connection  with  American  history  did  not  yet 
wholly  cease.  He  still  interested  himself  in  the  wel 
fare  of  the  new  Republic,  whose  commercial  interests 
with  Europe,  and  particularly  with  France,  he  spared 
no  pains  to  establish.  That  his  services  were  appre 
ciated,  is  seen  in  a  letter  from  Washington  to  him, 
dated  Sept.  1st,  1785,  in  which  he  assured  the  Mar 
quis  that  his  constant  attention,  and  unwearied  endea 
vors  to  serve  the  interests  of  the  United  States  could 
not  fail  to  keep  alive  in  them  a  grateful  sensibility,  and 
preserve  for  him  the  affectionate  regard  of  all  their 
citizens. 

During  the  year  1785  the  Marquis  visited  his  estates 
in  Tourraine  and  afterwards  visited  the  courts  of 
many  of  the  German  princes,  where  were  added  extra 
ordinary  tokens  of  the  admiration  which  his  military 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  223 

and  political  conduct  had  diffused  over  Europe.  But 
at  MO  time  did  he  disguise  the  love  for  freedom  which 
was  the  master  passion  of  his  being.  The  flattering 
distinction  with  which  he  was  greeted  by  the  different 
crowned  heads  whom  he  visited  could  not  extinguish 
this.  The  attention  which  he  every  where  received, 
even  in  the  midst  of  the  most  rigid  aristocracy  and 
monarchy,  showed  how  much  THE  MAN  could  make 
himself  felt,  simply  by  the  force  of  his  own  character 
and  innate  worth.  In  September  of  this  year,  he 
attended  at  Pottsdam  the  grand  reviews  of  Frederic 
the  Great,  and  greatly  enriched  his  own  experience  by 
the  sight  of  fifty  thousand  men  going  through  the 
varied  evolutions  of  battles,  sieges  and  storms,  under 
the  personal  direction  of  the  most  accomplished  Gene 
ral  of  his  age.  When  Frederic  was  advised  of  the 
presence  of  Lafayette,  he  sent  an  aid  de  camp  and 
invited  him  to  Sans  Soucie  without  delay.  Frederic 
was  a  tyrant,  but  in  many  respects  he  had  a  great 
soul,  and  on  the  present  occasion  he  did  not  conceal 
from  Lafayette  the  admiration  which  he  felt  for  his 
character  and  that  of  Washington.  With  a  nobleness 
which  few  despots  possess,  he  treated  with  marked 
attention  the  still  youthful  hero  whose  heart  was  beat 
ing  to  an  impulse  which  would  crush  his  despotism 
and  hurl  him  from  his  throne.  The  tyrant  and  the 
defender  of  liberty  held  long  and  interesting  conver 
sations  together,  in  which  the  American  Revolution 
and  the  progress  of  free  principles  were  the  prominent 
topics.  In  one  of  these  conversations  Frederic  ex 
pressed  the  opinion  that  America  would  not  long  con- 


224  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

tinue  a  republic.  "  By  and  by,"  said  he,  "  she  will 
return  to  the  good  old  system."  Lafayette  replied 
with  warmth  and  enthusiasm,  "  Never,  Sire,  never," 
said  he,  "  neither  monarchy,  nor  aristocracy,  can 
ever  exist  in  America."  "  Sir,"  said  Frederic,  with 
one  of  those  penetrating  looks  which  he  knew  so 
well  how  to  command,  "  Sir,  I  knew  a  young  man, 
who,  after  having  visited  countries  where  liberty  and 
equality  reigned,  conceived  the  idea  of  establishing 
the  same  system  in  his  own  country.  Do  you  know 
what  happened  to  him  ?'  "  No,  Sire."  "  He  was 
hanged,"  said  the  King.  Lafayette  looked  up  with  a 
calm  smile  which  neither  betrayed  fear,  nor  indicated 
in  the  least,  to  the  anxious  Frederic,  what  were  his 
secret  thoughts.  A  cloud,  rather  than  a  smile,  would 
have  rested  upon  the  countenance  of  both  King  and 
Marquis,  could  they  have  foreseen  the  events  of  the 
next  ten  years.  This  unwritten  history  was  to  be  full 
of  moment  to  them  both.  Lafayette  remained  for 
some  days  enjoying  the  hospitality  and  kindness  of  the 
King,  and  when  the  time  came  for  them  to  part,  it 
was  with  mutual  regard.  Upon  taking  his  leave, 
Frederic  presented  the  Marquis  with  his  miniature 
set  in  diamonds,  and  with  sincere  affection  expressed 
the  hope  that  this  memento  might  often  recall  his 
image  to  his  thoughts. 

Lafayette's  love  of  liberty  and  hatred  of  oppression 
were  sincere  and  unfeigned.  His  great  heart  would 
have  swept  the  world  from  tyranny  of  every  shape, 
and  have  sent  the  glad  rills  of  freedom  flowing  through 
every  nation,  and  murmuring  around  every  hearth- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  225 

stone  their  joyous  music.  His  sympathy  was  all  alive 
for  the  oppressed  African  race.  He  was  not  one  of 
that  class  so  prevalent  in  our  own  time,  who  make 
their  long  and  loud  discourse  about  the  blessings  of 
liberty,  while,  at  the  same  time,  they  are  busily  engaged 
in  forging  more  strongly  the  chains  of  slavery.  He 
had  none  of  that  mockery  which  would  sing  of  free 
dom  to  the  clank  of  the  slave's  fetters,  and  the  music 
of  his  groans.  His  heart  bled,  as  every  great  and  phi 
lanthropic  heart  must  do,  over  the  woes  of  negro 
slavery.  As  Madame  de  Stael  truly  remarks,  wher 
ever  a  certain  depth  of  thought  exists,  throughout  the 
world,  there  is  not  to  be  found  an  enemy  to  freedom. 
From  one  end  of  the  world  to  the  other,  the  friends 
of  freedom  maintain  communication  by  knowledge,  as 
religious  men  by  sentiments  ; — or,  rather,  knowledge 
and  sentiment  unite  in  the  love  of  freedom,  as  in  that 
of  the  Supreme  Being.  The  principles  of  liberty  must 
live  in  every  great  soul,  and  make  every  generous 
heart  palpitate,  like  love  and  friendship.  One  connec 
ted  series  of  virtues  and  ideas,  found  in  every  true- 
hearted  man,  seems  to  form  that  golden  chain,  described 
by  Homer,  which,  in  binding  man  to  Heaven,  delivers 
him  from  all  the  fetters  of  tyranny.  Lafayette  formed 
one,  and  that,  too,  a  conspicuous  link,  in  the  chain  which 
binds  together  the  brotherhood  of  great  men.  He  ha 
ted  slavery  because  he  was  a  great  man,  and  as  such 
could  not  do  otherwise.  Soon  after  the  completion  of 
the  American  war,  he  wrote  to  Washington  upon  the 
subject.  "  Permit  me,  my  dear  General,"  said  he, 
"  new  that  you  are  about  to  enjoy  some  repose,  to  pro- 


226  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

pose  a  plan  for  elevating  the  African  race.  Let  us 
unite  in  purchasing  a  small  estate,  where  we  may  try 
the  experiment  to  free  the  negroes,  and  use  them  only 
as  tenants.  Such  an  example  as  yours,  would  render 
the  practice  general,  and  if  we  should  succeed  in  Ame 
rica,  I  will  cheerfully  devote  a  part  of  my  lime  to 
render  the  plan  fashionable  in  the  West  Indies.  If  it 
be  a  wild  scheme,  I  would  rather  be  mad  in  that  way, 
than  be  thought  wise  on  the  other  tack."  This  plan, 
Lafayette  now  began  to  put  in  execution.  He  pur 
chased  a  plantation  in  Cayenne,  with  a  large  number 
of  slaves,  and,  proposing  their  gradual  emancipation,  he 
began  to  fit  them  for  a  proper  enjoyment  of  their  free 
dom,  by  a  thorough  course  of  education.  In  this  he 
was  guided  only  by  the  purest  benevolence,  and  had 
the  satisfaction  of  finding  that  his  efforts  were  not  in 
vain.  He  had  the  pleasure  of  a  cordial  sympathy  with 
his  views  from  distinguished  American  patriots,  who 
had  not  learned  to  despise  the  inalienable  rights  of  man, 
for  which  they  had  so  long  striven.  Washington, 
Adams,  Franklin,  Jefferson,  Madison,  Patrick  Henry 
and  others,  gave  him  their  cheerful  aid.  Washington 
wrote  to  him,  May  10th,  1786,  in  which  he  thus  alludes 
to  his  scheme  : — "  Your  late  purchase  in  Cayenne, 
with  a  view  of  emancipating  your  slaves,  is  a  generous 
and  noble  proof  of  your  humanity.  Would  to  God  a 
like  spirit  might  diffuse  itself  generally  into  the  minds 
of  the  people  of  this  country.  But  I  despair  of  seeing 
it.  Some  petitions  were  presented  to  the  Virginia  As 
sembly,  at  its  last  session,  for  the  abolition  of  slavery, 
but  they  could  scarcely  obtain  a  hearing.  To  set  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  227 

slaves  afloat  at  once,  would,  I  really  believe,  be  pro 
ductive  of  much  inconvenience  and  mischief; — but,  by 
degrees,  it  certainly  might,  and  assuredly  ought,  to  be 
effected,  and  that,  too,  by  legislative  authority."  It 
might  be  well  if  the  sentiments  of  Washington  and  La 
fayette  actuated  the  councils  of  the  nation  which  they 
labored  effectually  to  bless  with  the  boon  of  freedom. 

This  period  was  also  distinguised  by  the  efforts  of 
Lafayette  in  behalf  of  the  persecuted  French  Protes 
tants.  Though  himself  belonging  to  the  Romish 
Church,  he  had  none  of  the  bigotry  or  intolerance  so 
generally  seen  in  that  body,  but  hated  the  tyranny  of  a 
priesthood  as  intensely  as  that  of  a  king.  He  made  a 
visit  to  the  Protestants  who  chiefly  resided  in  the  south 
of  France,  and  having  carefully  inquired  into  their 
grievances,  returned  to  Paris  and  applied  his  energies 
to  their  removal.  Despotism  was  made  to  stay  its 
hand  before  his  efforts,  bigotry  relaxed  its  stern  grasp, 
"  and  justice  gave  back  to  the  oppressed  the  invaluable, 
inalienable,  right  to  worship  God  in  their  own  way — to 
obey  Him  rather  than  man." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A  NEW  ERA  IN  LAFAYETTE'S  HISTORY  —  CAUSES  WHICH  LED  TO  THE  FRENCH 
REVOLUTION  —  MISTAKEN  VIEWS  CONCERNING  IT  —  CHARACTER  OF  Louis 
XVI  —  STATE  OF  THE  NATION  —  THE  WHEEL  OF  REVOLUTION  BEGINS  TO 
MOVE  —  ASSEMBLY  op  NOTABLES  —  LAFAYETTE  A  MEMBER  —  THE  STATES 
GERERAL  —  THE  TIERS  ETAT  AND  THE  NOBLES  —  UNION  OF  THE  THREE  ES 
TATES —  LAFAYETTE'S  ORATORY  —  THE  BILL  OF  RIGHTS  —  OUTBREAK  OP 
THE  PEOPLE  —  DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  BASTILE  —  LAFAYETTE  COMMANDS  THE 
NATIONAL  GUARDS  —  MURDER  OF  FOULON— REFUTATION  OF  SLANDERS  AGAINST 
LAFAYETTE  —  MOB  OF  WOMEN  —  JUDICIOUS  COURSE  OF  LAFAYETTE  —  THB 
ROYAL  FAMILY  LEAVE  VERSAILLES  FOR  PARIS  —  RECONCILIATION  AGAIN  — CE- 
LEBRATISN  OF  THE  FOURTEENTH  OF  JULY  —  MAGNIFICENT  FESTIVAL  —  LA 
FAYETTE  REFUSES  THE  COMMAND  OF  ALL  THE  NATIONAL  GUARDS  OF  FRANCE 
—  HIS  TRUE  NOBILITY  OF  SOUL. 

Though  we  are  still  to  contemplate  Lafayette  as  the 
same  exalted  character,  we  shall  now  view  him  in  a 
different  theater,  and  an  actor  in  widely  different 
scenes.  Having  accomplished  his  sublime  mission 
upon  a  foreign  soil,  the  mighty  question  now  before 
his  thought  was,  Why  may  not  France  be  as  free  as 
America]  While  on  his  visit  to  Frederic  the  Great, 
said  he  — "  Do  you  believe  that  I  went  to  America  to 
obtain  military  reputation  t —  It  was  for  liberty  I  went 
there.  He  who  loves  liberty  can  only  remain  quiet 
after  having  established  it  in  his  own  country."  These 
remarkable  words  indicated  fully  what  was  the  desire 
of  his  heart  towards  France,  and  what  would  be  his 
course  of  action  whenever  a  favorable  opportunity 
should  arise.  He  was  ready  for  any  sacrifice,  and  his 
wakeful  discernment  could  not  fail  to  perceive  that  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  229 

time  was  coming  when  one  would  have  to  be  made. 
Clouds,  dark  and  heavy,  were  gathered  around  the  po 
litical  horizon,  in  whose  threatening  aspect  he  clearly 
read  the  foreboded  storm.  What  if  it  be  a  tempest, 
he  asked  of  himself,  which  shall  overthrow  every 
tower  of  despotism,  and  leave  only  the  ruins  upon 
which  may  be  erected  the  more  glorious  edifice  of 
freedom  !  His  heart  answered  calmly — Thus  let  it  be. 
Before  bearing  the  reader  to  the  French  Revolution, 
in  mcdias  res,  it  will  be  necessary  briefly  to  sketch  the 
causes  which  gave  rise  to  that  remarkable  period  in 
history.  The  atrocities  to  which  it  led,  have  hung  a 
pall  of  gloom  and  terror  around  it,  which  makes  the 
mind  associate  with  it  only  the  idea  of  anarchy  and 
reckless  ferocity.  We  do  not  wish  to  palliate  at  all 
these  features  in  this  Revolution,  and  only  set  the  mat 
ter  in  its  true  light  when  we  say  that,  its  beginning  did 
not  at  all  contemplate  such  an  end.  Its  origin  lay  in 
the  progress  of  the  democratic  principle  which  had  ad 
vanced  to  decisive  action,  in  the  revolutionary  struggles 
of  both  Britain  and  her  revolted  colonies.  France  had 
been  ripening  long  for  such  an  outbreak.  The  English 
struggle  in  the  seventeenth  century,  would  have  awa 
kened,  at  the  same  time,  a  corresponding  one  in 
France,  had  the  reins  of  the  French  Government  been 
then  held  by  a  tyrant  as  weak-minded  and  inefficient 
as  Charles.  Louis  XIV.  ruled  his  people  with  a  rod 
of  iron,  but  his  dazzling  genius  commanded  their  re 
spect,  and  the  height  of  glory  to  which  he  was  raising 
France,  won  from  them  shouts  of  admiration,  even 
amid  the  groans  of  their  oppression.  During  his  reign 


230  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

it  was,  that  absolute  monarchy  was  definitely  esta 
blished.  The  crown  arrogated  the  right  to  dispose  alike 
of  person  and  of  property,  without  the  slightest  regard 
to  law  or  equity.  Parliament  had  no  longer  any  will 
of  its  own,  the  noblesse  were  reduced  to  a  state  of 
perfect  dependence,  and  at  the  close  of  the  life  of  the 
greatest  king  she  had  known  since  the  days  of  Charle 
magne,  France  lay  manacled  in  every  limb.  Still,  out 
wardly,  all  was  fair.  The  clear  sky  did  not  reveal  the 
sleeping  thunder.  Commerce  was  flourishing  ; — sci 
ence  and  art  were  shedding  their  mild  glories  over  the 
nation; — letters  were  cultivated,  and  the  military  re 
putation  of  France  was  known  and  respected  through 
out  Europe  ;  but  underneath  this  fair  exterior,  were 
kindled  the  slow  fires  of  an  earthquake,  destined  to 
rock  half  a  continent  in  its  march,  and  crumble  the 
throne  of  an  ancient  and  powerful  monarchy. 

A  reaction  ensued  immediately  upon  the  death  of 
Louis  XIV.,  but  the  ascendency  which  the  crown  had 
gained  during  his  reign,  enabled  his  successor  to  main 
tain  his  prerogatives  against  the  encroachments  of  par 
liament,  while  he  perceived  that  the  struggle  between 
king  and  people  was  fast  hastening  to  the  unequal  con 
test.  Louis  XVI.  took  the  scepter  in  1774,  a  prince 
weak-minded,  but  amiable,  and  willing  to  do  all  in  his 
power  to  lessen  the  burdens  under  which  his  people 
were  groaning.  He  had  a  good  heart  but  a  poor  head; 
and  while  he  did  every  thing  with  the  best  intentions, 
it  was  his  misfortune  to  succeed  in  nothing.  It  was 
suicidal  for  him  to  encourage  and  aid  the  American 
Revolution  as  he  did,  for  this  was,  without  doubt, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  231 

accessory  to  that  which  occurred  in  France.  Says  a 
historian  of  this  event, — "  It  is  difficult  to  suppose  that 
so  many  thousand  officers  and  soldiers  had  visited  and 
fought  in  behalf  of  the  rights  of  America,  without 
being  imbued  with  something  of  a  kindred  spirit. 
There,  they  beheld  a  new  and  happy  nation,  among 
whom  the  pride  of  birth  and  the  distinctions  of  rank 
were  alike  unknown;  there  they,  for  the  first  time,  saw 
virtue,  and  talents,  and  courage,  rewarded;  there  they 
viewed,  with  surprise,  a  sovereign  people  fighting,  not 
for  a  master,  but  themselves,  and  haranguing,  delibe 
rating,  dispensing  justice,  and  administering  the  laws, 
by  representatives  of  their  own  free  choice.  On  their 
return,  the  contrast  was  odious  and  intolerable  ; —  they 
beheld  family  preferred  to  merit,  influence  to  justice, 
wealth  to  worth  ; — they  began  to  examine  into  a  con 
stitution,  in  which  the  monarch,  whom  they  were  now 
accustomed  to  consider  as  only  the  first  magistrate, 
was  everything,  and  the  people,  the  fountain  of  all 
power,  merely  cyphers  ; — and  they  may  well  be 
supposed  to  have  wished,  and  even  languished,  for  a 
change. 

"  In  fine,  the  people  being  left  entirely  destitute  of 
redress  or  protection,  the  royal  authority  paramount 
and  unbounded  ; — the  laws  venal,  the  peasantry  op 
pressed  ;  agriculture  in  a  languishing  state,  commerce 
considered  as  degrading  ;  the  public  revenues  farmed 
out  to  greedy  financiers  ;  the  public  money  consumed 
by  a  court  wallowing  in  luxury  ;  and  every  institution 
at  variance  with  justice,  policy,  and  reason ; —  a  change 
became  inevitable  in  the  ordinary  course  of  human 


232  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

events  ;  and,  like  all  sudden  alterations  in  corrupt 
states,  was  accompanied  with  temporary  evils  and 
crimes,  that  made  many  good  men  look  back  on  the 
ancient  despotism  with  a  sigh."  No  revolution  can  be 
accomplished  without  some  temporary  evils,  and  the 
fact  that  these  were  manifold  in  France  does  not  affect 
the  purity  of  the  motives  which  moved  the  authors  of 
rebellion.  But  it  was  not  alone  the  influence,  of  the 
officers  and  soldiers  fresh  from  the  field  of  American 
liberty,  nor  the  hand  of  despotism  upon  the  exasperated 
masses,  which  gave  the  greatest  shock  to  the  tottering 
dynasty  of  the  Bourbons.  The  most  fatal  blow  was 
given  by  the  derangement  of  the  public  finances  which 
already  elicited  loud  murmurs  throughout  the  kingdom. 
The  annual  deficit  amounted  to  millions,  and  after  ha 
ving  exhausted  every  resource  to  supply  it,  Louis  and 
his  ministers  beheld  the  fearful  gulf,  from  which  they 
could  only  recoil  by  a  step  almost  as  disastrous  as  ruin 
itself.  The  forcible  and  illegal  exactions,  which,  in  the 
seventeenth  century,  had  proved  destructive  to  Charles 
in  England,  the  King  dared  not  avail  himself  of,  for.  in 
his  weakness,  he  knew  that  it  would  involve  him  in  com 
plete  overthrow.  After  long  vacillation,  at  one  time 
under  the  control  of  the  ministry,  at  another  blindly 
influenced  by  the  queen; — now  ready  to  make  any 
concessions  to  Parliament  and  his  people,  and  again 
sternly  refusing  to  yield  at  all,  the  King  placed  M.  de 
Calonne  at  the  head-  'of  his  cabinet  and  tacitly  com 
mitted  his  fortunes  into  his  hands.  At  this  point  the 
wheel  of  REVOLUTION  began  to  move. 

De  Calonne  saw  at  a  glance  the  true  position  of  af- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  233 

fairs.  He  perceived  that  the  finances  of  the  kingdom 
could  never  be  successfully  arranged,  except  by  a  re 
form  which  would  strike  a  blow  at  the  very  root  of 
the  evil,  as  it  lay  in  the  French  constitution  itself.  To 
accomplish  this  was  more  than  King  or  Parliament 
could  do,  and  the  mind  of  the  minister  turned  towards 
the  States-General,  the  true  and  legitimate  Assembly 
of  the  nation,  believing  that  hope  could  rise  from  no 
other  source.  This  Body  had  not  met  since  the  year 
1614,  and  when  de  Calonne  proposed  that  it  again  be 
convened,  the  mind  of  the  Sovereign  revolted  from  it 
with  terror.  The  States-General  would  be  composed 
of  representative  from  every  class  in  his  kingdom,  and 
Louis  shrunk  with  instinctive  apprehension  from  a 
meeting  which  would  submit  his  affairs  to  the  closest 
scrutiny  of  those  whom  he  knew  were  suffering  the 
weight  of  his  exactions.  Another  assembly  had  been 
occasionally  substituted  instead  of  this,  and  as  it  con 
sisted  only  of  those  who  were  nominated  by  the  King 
himself,  Louis  determined  to  invoke  it.  This  was 
called  the  Assembly  of  Notables,  and  on  the  29th  of 
December,  1786,  the  royal  proclamation  was  issued 
summoning  them  to  meet  and  take  into  consideration 
the  state  of  the  realm. 

Lafayette  was  chosen  a  member,  and  on  the  22d  of 
February,  1787,  he  took  his  seat  with  his  associates, 
prepared  for  a  bold  endeavor  in  the  removal  of  grie 
vances  past  endurance.  His  own  loved  France  was 
dearer  than  ever  to  his  heart,  now  that  he  saw  her 
struggling  under  the  weight  of  an  oppression  which 
made  every  feeling  of  his  soul  burn  with  indignation. 


234  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

The  enormous  deficit  of  over  a  hundred  millions  of 
livres,  could  not  be  kept  secret,  and  when  made  known, 
Lafayette,  and  other  members  of  the  Assembly,  saw 
that  something  more  was  necessary  than  merely  to 
supply  this  present  need.  The  investigation  into  the 
public  matters,  urgently  demanded  by  the  Assembly, 
and  at  last  reluctantly  granted  by  the  King,  showed  a 
monstrous  growth  of  evil  and  corruption  which  could 
not  with  safety  again  be  concealed.  The  festering 
wound  had  been  already  allowed  to  prey  too  long  in 
secret  upon  the  body  politic,  and  now  that  it  had  once 
been  opened,  it  could  not  be  outwardly  closed  till  it 
was  internally  healed. 

Lafayette,  as  usual,  busied  himself  in  the  work  of 
reform.  The  enormous  peculation  which  existed  in 
every  department; — the  shameful  manner  in  which  the 
administration  of  justice  was  conducted; — the  illegal 
taxes  which  had  been  levied  upon  the  people  ; — the 
violent  subversion  of  right,  and  the  long  train  of  abuses 
which  royal  authority  had  sanctioned,  and  ministerial 
influence  executed,  revealed  to  him  wrongs  which  his 
mind,  though  partially  prepared  for  a  disclosure,  had 
yet  never  dreamed  to  exist.  The  abyss  of  corruption, 
as  it  was  fully  displayed,  startled  for  a  moment  but  did 
not  appal  him.  He  calmly  surveyed  its  depth,  and 
with  the  same  spirit  which  had  borne  him  fearlessly 
amid  the  onset  of  battle  prepared  for  the  crisis  before 
him.  He  rose  from  his  seat,  and  with  dignified  firm 
ness,  uttered  his  protest  against  the  prevailing  evils, 
and  demanded  redress.  With  stern  rebuke  he  con 
demned  the  system  which  had  been  so  fatally  practiced 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  235 

by  the  government,  and  with  a  courage  not  at  all 
intimidated  by  the  fact  that  a  younger  brother  of  the 
King  was  President  of  the  Council,  he  exhibited  the 
disorder  to  which  this  had  led  in  all  the  public  depart 
ments.  "I  repeat,"  he  concluded,  "with  renewed 
confidence,  the  remark,  that  the  millions  which  are 
dissipated,  are  collected  by  taxation,  and  that  taxa 
tion  can  only  be  justified  by  the  real  wants  of  the 
state  ; —  that  the  millions  abandoned  to  peculation  or 
avarice,  are  the  fruits  of  the  labor,  the  tears,  and  per 
haps  the  blood,  of  the  people  ; —  and  that  the  compu 
tation  of  unfortunate  individuals,  which  has  been 
made  for  the  purpose  of  realizing  sums  so  heedlessly 
squandered,  affords  a  frightful  subject  of  consideration 
for  the  justice  and  goodness  which,  we  feel  convinced, 
are  the  natural  sentiments  of  his  majesty." 

The  reforms  which  Lafayette  urged  were  too  mo 
mentous,  and  involved  principles  too  novel,  to  imme 
diately  enlist  in  their  execution,  men  who  had  grown 
gray  in  the  dream  that  France  could  never  be  other 
wise  than  she  had  been ;  but  he  was  unmoved  by  his 
comparative  isolation.  He  knew  that  in  the  seed  he 
was  scattering  there,  wTas  a  vital  energy  which  would 
at  length  develope  itself  and  bring  forth  fruit  in  its 
maturity.  The  free  principles  which  he,  and  a  few 
other  kindred  souls,  uttered  in  the  Assembly,  sent  a 
strange  thrill  to  the  breasts  of  the  old  aristocracy, 
and  smote  the  heart  of  the  monarch  with  strange  fore 
boding  ,  but  though  apparently  overborne  by  the  tide 
of  opposition.  Lafayette  was  confident  that  they  could 

not  perish.     They  will  rise  again,  was  his  unfaltering 
16 


236  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

language,  and  their  notes  will  be  heard  above  the  cry 
of  oppression,  and  will  ring  in  the  ear  of  tyranny  till 
its  voice  shall  be  mute  forever. 

Before  the  Assembly  closed  its  session,  Lafayette 
saw  clear  indications  that  he  had  not  spoken  in  vain. 
The  accents  of  truth  had  been  heard,  and  with  inter 
est  and  delight  he  watched  the  energy  of  their  quiet 
might.  He  did  not,  for  a  moment,  relax  his  efforts. 
With  an  eye  that  never  quailed,  he  looked  upon  the 
scowling  minions  of  despotism  around  him,  and  heard 
without  misgiving,  threats  which  came  to  him  in  no 
ambiguous  form.  It  was  proposed  to  the  King,  that  he 
be  sent  to  the  Bastile,  but  the  Marquis  only  smiled  at 
the  menace,  and  toiled  on  in  his  work.  Favors  could 
not  bribe,  frowns  could  not  force,  him  from  his  pur 
pose.  He  discerned  from  the  first  a  radical  error  in 
attempting  to  originate  all  the  necessary  reforms  in  a 
body,  constituted  as  was  the  Assembly  of  Notables. 
It  was  the  common  people  who  were  burdened,  and 
these  had  no  representation  there.  Every  attempt  in 
behalf  of  these,  would  fail  unless  they  themselves 
could  send  a  delegation  which  should  bring  their  own 
wants  and  sufferings  before  those  who  held  the  power 
of  relief.  Lafayette  felt  that  the  Notables  should 
give  way  for  the  States-General,  and  this  conviction 
he  openly  expressed  to  the  former.  The  known  hos 
tility  of  the  King  to  this  measure,  and  the  fact  that 
if  adopted  would  greatly  abridge  the  privileges  of  the 
nobility,  interposed  no  barrier  to  Lafayette.  He 
offered  to  the  Assembly  a  memorial  for  the  King,  in 
which,  after  having,  in  a  masterly  manner,  recounted 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  237 

the  existing  evils,  he  entreated  his  majesty  to  convoke 
a  National  Assembly,  which  might  accomplish  the 
regeneration  of  France.  When  this  was  offered,  the 
President  of  the  Council  started  from  his  seat  in 
amazement,  "  What,  sir,"  said  he,  "  do  you  ask  for 
the  convocation  of  the  States-General?" 

"  Yes,  my  lord,  and  even  more  than  that,"  was  the 
calm  reply. 

"  You  wish  me,  then,  to  write,  and  to  carry  to  the 
King,  that  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  moves  to  con 
voke  the  States-General  T* 

"  Yes,  my  lord." 

The  proposition,  which  met  with  but  little  favor 
when  first  uttered  in  the  Assembly,  was  hailed  with 
acclamation  by  the  public.  The  notables,  appalled 
by  the  increasing  difficulties  before  them,  at  length 
yielded  to  the  public  clamor,  and  the  King,  borne  on 
against  his  will,  issued  the  royal  edict,  and  com 
manded  the  States-General  to  meet.  This  was  the 
first  act  of  a  tragedy,  in  which  he  was  to  be  the 
slain  victim ;  and  although  he  did  not  discern  the 
prophetic  present,  others  read,  clearly  as  if  a  hand 
writing  were  tracing  characters  of  fire  on  the  palace- 
walls,  the  fearful  announcement  of  his  doom ! 

The  first  Assembly  was  convoked  by  Philippe  le 
Bel,  in  1303,  and  had  since  been  convened  at  irregu 
lar  periods,  and  at  times  of  peculiar  exigency  to  the 
kingdom.  It  was  composed  of  the  three  estates  of 
the  kingdom,  the  nobles,  the  clergy,  and  the  tiers 
etat,  or  common  people,  in  such  numbers  and  pro 
portions  as  the  King,  or  some  council  which  he  should 


238  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

choose  to  consult,  should  determine.  Here  arose  the 
first  difficulty  in  the  construction  of  the  new  States, 
General.  Louis  shrunk  from  allowing  the  common 
people  a  prominent  representation,  and  they  would 
not  be  satisfied  without  it.  It  was  contended  that 
the  tiers  etat  comprised  the  great  body  of  the  nation, 
and  though  owning  but  a  small  portion  of  the  land 
it  tilled  the  whole,  and  was  entitled  in  reason  and 
justice,  to  a  number  of  deputies,  equal  at  least,  to 
that  of  the  two  other  orders.  Louis  hesitated  to  de 
cide  the  matter  either  for  or  against  the  people,  and 
referred  the  whole  subject  to  the  notables.  Free 
principles  had  been  gaining  ground  with  them,  but 
not  to  the  extent  which  would  prevent  a  struggle, 
while  justice  and  liberty  attained  the  ascendant.  A 
stormy  debate  arose  in  which  the  friends  of  freedom 
encountered  the  bitter  hostility  to  right,  sanctioned  by 
ancient  custom,  and  fostered  by  hoary  prejudice. 
Lafayette,  of  course,  espoused  the  cause  of  the  masses, 
and  lifted  his  voice  earnestly  in  their  behalf,  but  it 
was  in  vain  ;  and  the  decision  was  at  length  given 
against  the  measure. 

Neither  the  King  nor  the  Assembly,  was  prepared 
for  the  storm  that  ensued.  An  outcry  was  heard 
throughout  the  realm,  from  the  down  trodden  classes, 
declaring  that  they  would  submit  to  injustice  no 
longer.  A  host  of  writers  appeared,  whose  burning 
language  fed  the  flame  of  excitement  and  kindled 
the  fiercest  resentment  in  every  quarter  of  France. 
"  Give  us  the  States-General ! "  was  the  shout  which 
came  like  the  sound  of  many  waters  on  every  breeze 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  239 

to  the  ears  of  the  King,  and  rolled  unceasingly  over 
Paris.  From  the  Alps,  the  Pyrennees,  the  plains  of 
Flanders,  the  borders  of  the  Channel,  and.  the  shores 
of  the  Mediterranean  and  the  Atlantic,  the  wild  cry 
of  determination  was  uttered.  The  King,  unable  to 
resist  the  tempest  took  the  wisest  course,  and  bowed 
before  its  might.  A  royal  proclamation  was  issued 
ordaining  that  the  total  number  of  deputies  for  the 
States-General,  should  be  at  least  a  thousand,  conce 
ding  the  grand  point  that  the  representation  of  the 
tiers  ctat  should  be  equal  to  that  of  the  other  two 
orders  united. 

This  body,  whose  strange  history  so  far  as  con 
nected  with  the  subject  of  our  narration,  we  now 
proceed  to  unfold,  assembled  on  the  5th  of  May, 
1789.  The  republicans  in  principle,  congratulated 
themselves  on  the  prospect  before  them,  and  believed 
that  the  time  for  the  regeneration  of  France  was  at 
hand.  Lafayette  was  chosen  a  deputy  without  oppo 
sition,  by  the  nobility  of  Auvergne,  and  took  his  seat, 
supported  in  his  views  by  the  deepest  feeling  in  the 
nation.  The  Assembly  was  opened  with  great  pomp. 
A  solemn  procession  of  extraordinary  magnificence 
took  place,  in  which  the  King,  the  three  orders,  and 
all  the  great  dignitaries  of  state,  repaired  to  the 
church  of  Notre  Dame,  and  invoked  the  blessing  of 
Heaven  to  crown  the  deliberations  about  to  commence. 
It  was  a  splendid  spectacle,  and  greeted  with  the 
most  joyous  acclamations.  Says  one  who  formed  a 
part  of  the  procession,  — "  The  streets  were  hung 
with  tapestry  belonging  to  the  crown  ; —  the'  regi- 


240  'LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ments  of  the  French  and  Swiss  guards  formed  a  line 
from  Notre  Dame  to  Saint  Louis  ; —  an  immense  con 
course  of  people  looked  on,  as  we  passed,  in  respect 
ful  silence  ; —  the  balconies  were  adorned  with  costly 
stuffs,  the  windows  filled  with  spectators  of  all  ages 
and  both  sexes  ;  —  every  face  bespoke  kindly  emo 
tions,  every  eye  sparkled  with  joy  ;  —  the  clapping 
of  hands,  expressions  of  the  warmest  interest,  the 
looks  that  met  us  and  that  still  followed  after  we 
were  out  of  sight,  formed  a  rapturous,  enchanting 
scene,  to  which  I  should  vainly  strive  to  do  justice. 
Bands  of  music,  placed  at  intervals,  rent  the  air  with 
melodious  sounds,  military  marches,  the  rolling  of 
drums,  the  clang  of  trumpets,  the  noble  chants  of  the 
priests,  alternately  heard,  without  discordance,  with 
out  confusion,  enlivened  this  triumphal  procession  to 
the  temple  of  the  Almighty." 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Assembly  for  the  trans 
action  of  business,  the  three  orders  convened  in  sepa 
rate  departments.  The  great  Hall  of  the  States  was 
assigned  to  the  tiers  etat,  and  the  first  step  of  this  body 
was  to  send  up  a  proposition  that  the  three  estates 
should  assemble  together  for  the  purpose  of  examining 
and  verifying  in  common  the  credentials  of  the  mem 
bers.  This  was  rejected  by  the  nobles  and  the  clergy, 
but  persisted  in  by  the  tiers  etat,  who  refused  to  organ 
ize  till  the  point  was  yielded.  Lafayette  advocated  the 
proposed  method  of  verification,  but  it  was  too  humili 
ating  for  the  aristocracy  to  allow  their  credentials  to 
be  inquired  into  by  the  populace,  and  they  resolutely 
refused  to  meet  them.  After  a  long  contest,  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  241 

States-General  found  themselves,  at  the  end  of  five 
weeks,  in  the  same  inactive  state  as  at  first.  Nothing 
had  been  done  except  proposals  for  union  by  the  one 
party,  and  obstinate  rejection  of  them  by  the  other. 
This  course  seemed  likely  to  continue  till  the  pa 
tience  of  those  who  had  anticipated  so  much  from  the 
Assembly  should  be  wholly  exhausted.  It  was  at 
this  juncture  that  the  tiers  etat  resolved  upon  action 
fraught  with  most  momentous  consequences  to  the 
subsequent  history  of  the  revolution.  They  made  a 
last  attempt  at  union,  and  finding  this  to  fail,  they 
resolved  themselves  into  a  legislative  body  under  the 
name  of  the  National  Assembly,  and  on  the  memo 
rable  17th  of  June,  1789,  made  the  announcement  to 
the  public,  expressing  their  intention  to  accomplish 
their  work  of  political  reform.  It  was  entirely  unex 
pected,  and  received  with  consternation  by  the  court 
and  privileged  classes.  It  was  in  vain,  however,  for 
them  to  oppose.  The  King  attempted  to  interpose 
his  prerogative,  and  the  nobility  asserted  its  rights, 
but  neither  could  shake  the  decision,  and  both  Louis 
and  his  advisers  were  at  length  forced  to  comply 
with  its  conditions.  Lafayette  strenuously  advocated 
the  union,  and  with  a  noble  minority  of  forty-seven 
members,  embracing  distinguished  citizens,  he  opposed 
the  proceedings  of  the  court.  He  warned  the  nobles 
to  beware  lest  their  resistance  to  the  measure  should 
only  destroy  themselves.  He  told  them  that  they 
were  clinging  to  a  tottering  fabric,  whose  crumbling 
foundations  would  at  last  fail  and  bring  upon  them 
a  general  destruction  ; —  that  persisting  in  their  pre- 


242  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

sent  position,  they  were  taking  a  course  of  folly  and 
madness,  like  the  shipwrecked  sailor  in  the  midst  of 
the  ocean  and  the  storm,  throwing  away  the  only 
plank  which  could  save  him,  and  buffeting  alone  the 
billows.  But  they  saw  no  danger,  and  urged  the 
King  to  interfere  for  the  protection  of  his  crown 
and  their  ancestral  honors.  Louis,  jealous  of  his  own 
sovereignty,  undertook  the  work,  and  proposed  by  his 
own  presence  to  awe,  as  he  termed  them,  his  rebel 
lious  subjects  into  submission.  Before,  however, 
appearing  in  their  meeting,  he  chose  to  make  a  dis 
play  of  his  authority,  by  closing  the  doors  and  sta 
tioning  a  guard  over  the  Hall  where  the  soi-disant 
National  Assembly  was  accustomed  to  hold  its  sit 
tings.  Such  interposition,  guided  by  the  blindest 
infatuation,  was  only  adding  oil  to  the  flames,  which 
were  burning  full  fiercely  enough  before.  The  depu 
ties,  gathering  to  the  morning  session  on  the  20th  of 
June,  were  told  by  the  police  of  soldiers,  that  the 
King  had  adjourned  their  sitting  until  the  22d.  As 
tonishment  was  the  first  emotion,  which  soon  gave 
way  to  one  of  exasperation  and  sternest  purpose. 
Their  former  place  of  meeting  was  denied  them,  and 
they  proceeded  to  another,  where  they  calmly  delibe 
rated  upon  the  darkening  future.  The  Rubicon  was 
passed,  and  there  now  went  up  accents  more  start 
ling  and  more  united,  than  had  ever  been  heard  in 
France.  They  fell  like  a  death  knell  upon  the  ear 
of  monarchy,  and  made  the  throne  of  despotism  rock 
upon  its  heavy  base.  It  demanded  a  CONSTITUTION 
FOR  THE  FRENCH  PEOPLE,  which  should  embrace  in 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  243 

its  provisions,  governor  and  governed  alike,  making 
both  strictly  amenable  to  its  sanctions.  And  in  full 
view  of  the  indignity  which  had  that  day  been  offered 
to  them  by  the  crown,  and  through  them  to  the  peo 
ple,  they  solemnly  resolved,  under  an  oath  adminis 
tered  to  them  in  open  assembly,  to  which  all  but  one 
of  the  deputies  subscribed,  "  never  to  separate,  and 
to  assemble  whenever  circumstances  should  require, 
till  the  constitution  of  the  kingdom  should  be  esta 
blished  and  founded  on  a  solid  basis."  The  Assembly 
of  the  tiers  etat  in  their  Hall,  was  farther  postponed 
by  the  King,  till  the  23d,  and  upon  assembling  on 
the  morning  of  that  day,  they  found  a  guard  still 
in  attendance.  For  a  long  time  they  were  denied 
entrance,  and  when  this  was  granted,  they  found 
their  seats  already  occupied  by  the  higher  classes. 
In  sullen  silence  they  ranged  themselves  about  the 
Hall,  each  one  determining  for  the  present  to  hear 
and  not  to  speak.  The  bayonet  glittered  there  and 
the  parade  of  royalty,  but  none  were  moved  by 
either.  The  King  addressed  them,  not  with  words 
of  conciliation  to  win  them  back,  but  with  haughty 
arrogance,  well  adapted  to  increase  resistance.  He 
annulled  all  the  previous  proceedings  of  the  tiers  etat 
and  energetically  reproved  them  for  assuming  to 
themselves  the  liberty  to  act,  without  the  union  or 
consent  of  the  higher  orders.  He  reproached  them 
for  taking  the  title  of  National  Assembly  and  bade 
them  abandon  it.  He  told  them  that  he  was  the  sole 
representative  of  the  people,  and  that  if  he  met  with 
fresh  obstacles  from  the  Assembly,  he  would  take  the 


244  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

matter  into  his  own  hands,  and  singly  establish  the 
welfare  of  France.  The  King  concluded  his  address, 
and  ordered  the  Assembly  to  separate  immediately. 
He  left  the  Hall,  followed  by  the  nobility  and  part 
of  the  clergy,  while  the  majority  of  the  ecclesiastics 
and  the  commons  remained.  For  a  time  no  one 
spoke.  The  echoes  of  the  retiring  footsteps  of  Louis 
had  died  away,  the  last  shouts  of  vive  le  Roi  were 
lost  in  the  distance,  and  still  the  profoundest  silence 
reigned  in  the  chamber,  where  the  parade  of  autho 
rity,  and  the  pomp  of  power,  had  been  so  lately  seen. 
At  length  there  was  a  movement,  and  a  man  of  mid 
dle  stature,  with  a  sullen  countenance  disfigured  by 
the  marks  of  the  small  pox,  with  eyes  small,  but  now 
twinkling  with  star-like  brightness,  his  hair"  thick  and 
uncombed,  flowing  down  over  his  shoulders,  —  rose 
and  addressed  the  assembly.  It  was  Mirabeau. 
"Gentlemen,"  said  he,  "I  grant  that  it  may  be  for 
the  present  peace  and  quiet  of  the  country,  that  we 
should  give  heed  to  the  instructions  we  have  just 
received.  But  the  presence  of  despotism  here  is 
fraught  with  infinite  danger  !  To  devise  good  for 
the  nation  we  must  deliberate,  and  to  deliberate  we 
must  be  free.  What  means  this  insulting  dictation  1 
—  this  threatening  display  of  arms?  —  this  flagrant 
violation  of  the  national  temple  ?  Who  is  it  that 
dictates  to  you  the  way  in  which  you  shall  be 
happy  1  He  who  acts  by  your  commission.  Who  is 
it  that  gives  you  imperious  laws  ]  He  who  acts  by 
your  commission, —  the  minister,  who  by  your  appoint 
ment  is  vested  with  the  execution  of  the  laws, —  of 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  245 

laws  which  we  only  have  a  right  to  make.  Ours  is 
an  inviolable  political  priesthood.  To  us  twenty-five 
millions  of  people  are  looking  to  guard  from  further 
desecration  the  sacred  ark  of  liberty,  to  release  them 
from  the  burdensome  yoke  which  has  so  long  crushed 
them,  and  to  give  them  back  their  own  inalienable 
right  to  peace,  liberty  and  happiness.  Gentlemen, 
the  freedom  of  your  deliberations  is  attempted  to  be 
destroyed.  The  iron  chain  of  despotic  prescription  is 
laid  upon  you.  A  military  force  surrounds  your 
Assembly.  Where  are  the  enemies  of  France  1  Is 
Cataline  at  our  gates'?  Gentlemen!  I  demand  that, 
clothing  yourselves  in  your  dignity  and  your  legisla 
tive  authority,  you  remain  firm  in  the  sacredness  of 
your  oath,  which  does  not  permit  us  to  separate  till 
we  have  framed  a  constitution  ;  —  till  we  have  given 
a  magna  charta  to  France."  Then  turning  to  the 
grand  master  of  ceremonies,  who  at  this  time  inter 
posed  and  reminded  the  assembly  of  the  peremptory 
orders  of  the  King  —  "Go."  he  exclaimed,  "and  tell 
your  master  that  we  are  here  by  the  order  of  the 
people,  and  that  we  shall  depart  only  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet." 

The  Assembly  proceeded  to  business,  and  without 
a  dissenting  voice  re-affirmed  its  rule  securing  inviola 
bility  to  the  members,  declaring  that  any  one  who 
should  offer  violence  to  them,  should  be  considered  as 
a  traitor  and  guilty  of  a  capital  crime.  Day  after 
day  the  sessions  continued,  and  received  constantly 
indications  that  their  course  was  entirely  the  echo 
of  the  public  will.  Addresses  were  received  appro- 


246  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ving  in  the  highest  terms  the  course  they  had  taken, 
and  assuring  them  of  the  cooperation  of  the  people. 

Lafayette  and  the  few  that  were  with  him,  who 
had  pressed  the  expediency  and  the  right  of  uniting 
without  delay  with  the  commons,  finding  argument  a 
failure,  resolved  upon  example.  With  the  forty-seven 
who  had  stood  by  his  side  in  his  struggles,  he  left 
the  nobility  and  took  his  seat  in  the  "  National  As 
sembly,"  whither  a  majority  of  the  clergy  had  already 
preceded  him.  The  remaining  part  of  the  deputies 
continued  their  separate  sittings  for  a  few  days  longer ; 
but  their  obstinacy  at  length  gave  way  before  the 
popular  excitement.  On  the  27th  of  June  the  three 
orders  met  together  and  commenced  their  delibera 
tions. 

Lafayette  was  now  watched  narrowly  by  all  classes. 
He  often  spoke  in  the  Assembly,  and  as  ever  he  had 
done,  for  freedom.  He  was  not  gifted  with  the  fiery 
eloquence  of  Mirabeau,  which  swept  every  thing  be 
fore  it  like  a  whirlwind;  his  style,  though  gentle,  was 
witty  and  keen,  passing  over  the  audience  like  the 
pleasant  breeze,  yet  leaving  a  deep  and  permanent  im 
pression  upon  the  mind. 

On  the  llth  of  July  he  brought  forward  for  adop 
tion  his  famous  Declaration  of  Rights  ;  an  instrument 
which  would  confer  imperishable  fame,  though  he 
had  no  other  claim  to  immortality.  It  reads  as 
follows : — 

"  Kature  has  made  all  men  free  and  equal  ;  the 
distinctions  which  are  necessary  for  social  order  are 
founded  alone  on  the  public  good. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE. 

"  Man  is  born  with  inalienable  and  imprescriptable 
rights,  such  as  the  -unshackled  liberty  of  opinion,  the 
care  of  his  honor  and  life,  the  right  of  property,  the 
complete  control  over  his  person,  his  industry  and  all 
his  faculties  ;  the  free  expression  of  his  opinion  in 
every  possible  manner ;  the  worship  of  the  Almighty, 
and  resistance  against  oppression. 

"  The  exercise  of  natural  rights  has  no  other  limits 
than  those  which  are  necessary  to  secure  their  enjoy 
ments  to  every  member  of  society. 

"  No  man  can  be  made  subject  to  laws  which  he 
has  not  sanctioned,  either  himself,  or  through  his 
representatives,  and  which  have  not  been  properly 
promulgated  and  legally  executed. 

"  The  principle  of  all  sovereignty  rests  in  the  peo 
ple.  No  body  nor  individual  can  possess  any  authority 
which  'does  not  expressly  emanate  from  the  nation. 

"  The  sole  end  of  all  government  is  the  public 
good.  That  good  demands  that  the  legislative,  ex 
ecutive  and  judicial  powers  should  be  distinct  and 
defined,  and  that  their  organization  should  secure  the 
free  representation  of  the  citizens,  the  responsibility  of 
their  deputies,  and  the  impartiality  of  the  judges. 

"  The  laws  ought  to  be  clear,  precise  and  uniform, 
in  their  operation  toward  every  class  of  citizens. 

"  Subsidies  ought  to  be  liberally  granted,  and  the 
taxes  proportionally  distributed. 

"  And,  as  the  introduction  of  abuses,  and  the  rights 
of  succeeding  generations  will  require  the  revisions  of 
all  human  institutions,  the  nation  ought  to  possess  the 
power,  in  certain  cases,  to  summon  an  extraordinary 


248  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

assembly  of  deputies,  whose  sole  object  shall  be  to 
examine  and  correct,  if  it  be  necessary,  the  faults  of 
the  constitution  ?" 

A  long  debate  ensued.  It  was  boldly  supported  by 
republicans,  and  as  decidedly  condemned  by  the  ad 
herents  of  despotism.  But  an  argument  which  the 
former  had  not  sought  and  which  the  latter  could  not 
avoid,  soon  turned  the  balance  for  humanity.  A 
lawless  mob,  feared  alike  by  the  friends  and  foes 
of  the  Declaration,  raised  the  cry  of  anarchy  and 
rebellion.  It  was  only  the  first  gust  of  the  ap 
proaching  gale,  but  it  shook  Paris  to  its  center.  The 
volcanic  elements  which  had  long  been  smothered  by 
soothing  assurances  and  delusive  hopes,  broke  forth 
and  raged  with  unrestrained  fury.  The  resistless  tide 
of  insurgents,  spreading  terror,  raged  through  the 
city,  and  swept  down  before  it,  and  scattered  in  ruins, 
the  Bastile,  which  had  been  for  centuries  the  bulwark 
of  tyranny,  the  exponent  of  despotic  cruelty.  The 
people  had  begun,  to  understand  their  rights  ;  and  both 
King  and  legislature  felt  that  they  could  not  safely 
refuse  to  concede  them.  A  reconciliation  between  the 
opposing  interests  was  effected  ;  the  King  went  in 
person  and  unattended  to  the  Assembly,  and  threw 
himself  confidingly  upon  the  attachment  of  his  people 
— *the  mob  were  made  to  believe  that  the  King  wished 
no  infringement  upon  their  rights,  and  hushed  the 
tumult.  The  Declaration  was  adopted  and  outward 
peace  reigned  again  in  the  capital. 

During   the   tumult   so    briefly   sketched,  Lafayette 
drew  the  attention  and  hopes  of  the  nation  to  himself. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  249 

Every  one,  his  enemies  even,  was  compelled  to  be* 
lieve  in  his  unsullied  honesty  and  great  capacity.  The 
key  of  the  demolished  Bastilc  was  given  to  him,  as 
the  most  worthy  to  receive  this  memorial  of  the 
hideous  Golgotha  of  oppression.  The  National  Guards, 
a  new  order  of  troops  composed  of  citizens  instead 
of  mercenary  soldiers,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting 
the  people,  was  formed,  and  the  command  was  en 
trusted  to  Lafayette  by  the  municipality  of  Paris. 
The  appellation  of  THE  PEOPLE'S  FRIEND  was  given 
to  him  all  over  the  kingdom,  and  while  the  masses 
exalted  him  to  the  rank  of  a  demi-god,  the  aris 
tocracy  admired  his  devotion  to  the  mandate  of 
duty.  Says  Toulongeon,  "  Lafayette,  whose  name 
and  reputation  acquired  in  America,  were  associated 
with  liberty  itself,  was  at  the  head  of  the  Parisian 
National  Guard.  He  enjoyed  at  once  that  entire 
confidence  and  public  esteem  which  are  due  to  great 
qualities.  The  faculty  of  raising  the  spirits,  or  rather 
of  infusing  fresh  courage  into  the  heart,  was  natural 
to  him.  His  external  appearance  was  youthful  and 
bold,  which  is  always  pleasing  to  the  multitude.  His 
manners  were  simple,  popular  and  engaging.  He  pos 
sessed  every  thing  which  is  wanting  to  commence  and 
terminate  a  revolution  —  the  brilliant  qualities  of  mili 
tary  activity,  and  the  calm  confidence  of  courage  in 
times  of  public  commotion.  Lafayette  was  equal  to 
every  thing,  if  every  thing  had  been  done  fairly  and 
openly  ;  but  he  was  unacquainted  with  the  dark  and 
narrow  road  of  intrigue." 

At  the  head  of  the  Guard,  he  exerted  himself  to 
11* 


250  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

prevent  farther  outbreak  of  violence,  but  could  not 
always  restrain  the  fury  of  the  populace.  The  fact 
that  they  did  sometimes  refuse  to  obey  his  counsels, 
has  given  occasion  for  the  basest  slander  which  Bri 
tish  bigotry  could  invent.  It  is  asserted  by  English 
writers,  that  he  was  the  direct  instigator  of  some  of 
the  very  atrocities  he  desired  to  prevent.  It  is  espe 
cially  affirmed  that  he  was  guilty  of  the  murder  of 
the  minister  Foulon.  Fpulon  was  a  member  of  the 
court  especially  obnoxious  to  the  people,  on  account 
of  his  many  odious  acts  in  supporting  monarchy.  He 
was  seized  by  the  crowd,  who,  with  a  mock  show  of 
justice,  hurried  him  before  the  Assembly,  and  then 
clamored  loudly  for  revenge.  No  trial  could  proceed 
amid  the  uproar,  and  when  the  unfortunate  Foulon  was 
about  to  be  sacrificed  on  the  spot,  loud  acclamations 
announced  the  arrival  of  Lafayette.  Placing  himself 
by  the  side  of  the  President,  he  waved  his  hand  with 
an  air  of  majesty  over  the  multitude,  and  when  they 
were  hushed  to  silence,  he  made  an  appeal  in  behalf 
of  the  minister,  which  should  forever  efface  from  his 
tory  the  calumny  thrown  upon  him  in  connection  with 
this  transaction.  "  I  am  known  to  you  all,"  said  he, 
"  you  have  appointed  me  your  commander;  a  station 
which,  while  it  confers  honor,  imposes  upon  me  the 
duty  of  speaking  to  you  with  that  liberty  and  candor 
which  form  the  basis  of  my  character.  You  wish, 
without  a  trial,  to  put  to  death  the  man  who  is  be 
fore  you  :  such  an  act  of  injustice  would  dishonor 
yOU  j  —  it  would  disgrace  me,  and  were  I  weak 
enough  to  permit  it,  it  would  blast  all  the  efforts 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  251 

which  I  have  made  in  favor  of  liberty.  I  will  not 
permit  it.  I  am  far  from  pretending  to  save  him, 
if  he  be  guilty,  I  only  desire  that  the  orders  of 
the  Assembly  should  be  carried  into  execution,  and 
that  this  man  be  conducted  to  prison,  to  be  judged 
by  a  legal  tribunal.  I  wish  the  law  to  be  respected; 
— law,  without  which  there  can  be  no  liberty; — law, 
without  whose  aid  I  would  never  have  contributed 
to  the  revolution  of  the  new  world,  and  without 
which  I  will  not  contribute  to  the  revolution  which 
is  preparing  here.  What  I  advance  in  favor  of  the 
forms  of  law,  ought  not  to  be  interpreted  in  favor 
M.  Foulon.  I  am  free  from  suspicion  as  it  regards 
him; — and  perhaps  the  manner  in  which,  on  several 
occasions,  I  have  expressed  myself  with  relation  to 
his  conduct,  would  alone  deprive  me  of  the  right  of 
judging.  But  the  greater  the  presumption  of  his 
guilt  is,  the  more  important  is  it  that  the  usual  for 
malities  should  be  observed  in  his  case,  so  as  to 
render  his  punishment  more  striking,  and,  by  legal 
examinations,  to  discover  his  accomplices.  I,  there 
fore,  command  that  he  be  conducted  to  the  prison  of 
L'Abbaye  St.  Germain." 

These  remarks  were  hailed  with  applause  by  those 
within  hearing ;  who  consented  that  the  minister 
should  be  conducted  to  prison.  This  sentiment,  how 
ever,  did  not  extend  to  those  without,  and  in  the 
extremity  of  the  hall,  who,  as  soon  as  Lafayette  had 
concluded,  sent  up  their  furious  call  for  vengeance 
upon  Foulon.  Three  times  the  Marquis  harangued 
them;  but,  just  as  the  unfortunate  object  of  the  outcry 


252  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

began  to  hope,  a  shout,  more  terrible  than  before, 
blanched  his  cheek  with  the  foreshadowing  of  his 
doom.  From  the  square  of  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  and 
from  the  extreme  part  of  the  chamber,  a  frightful  yell 
arose,  announcing  that  the  throngs  from  the  Palais- 
Royal,  and  the  faubourg  St.  Antoine,  were  coming  to 
carry  off  the  prisoner.  A  roar  in  the  distance,  which 
sounded  like  the  surgings  of  the  angry  sea,  became 
more  distinct,  till  it  was  heard  in  frantic  tones  through 
the  passages  of  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  demanding  the 
prisoner  for  execution.  A  fresh  mob  broke  in  upon 
that  which  already  filled  the  hall,  and  guided  by  that 
electric  impulse  which  seems  to  pervade  such  a  body 
of  men,  the  whole  mass  rushed  impetuously  forward, 
and,  without  regarding  the  loud  intercessions  of  La 
fayette,  snatched  Foulon  from  his  chair  and  bore  him 
triumphantly  from  the  array.  The  miserable  victim, 
despite  his  piteous  supplication,  could  receive  no  mercy 
from  the  hands  of  those  to  whom  he  had  shown  none, 
and  with  shouts  of  infernal  exultation,  he  was  hung  to 
a  lamp  iron  in  front  of  the  Hotel  de  Ville. 

This  deed  has  been  charged  upon  Lafayette.  With 
his  life  before  us,  showing  his  character  to  be  unsoiled 
by  a  stain  of  inconsistency,  we  could  not  for  a  mo 
ment  entertain  the  detraction,  if  we  had  nothing  posi 
tive  with  which  to  repel  it  in  the  very  transaction 
itself.  And  yet,  with  a  jealous  bigotry  better  befit 
ting  a  horde  of  savages,  men  have  stood  up  in  the 
British  Parliament  and  boldly  endeavored  to  attach 
the  crime  to  his  name.  If  anything  more  than  his 
attempts  to  prevent  the  murder,  is  necessary  to  show 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  258 

his  abhorrence  of  it,  we  have  it  abundantly  in  the 
incidents  which  ensued.  Filled  with  horror,  and 
exasperated  at  the  lawlessness  of  the  populace,  he 
determined  to  resign  his  office  as  Commander-in-Chief 
of  the  National  Guards.  This  he  did  in  the  following 
letter  to  the  Mayor  of  Paris,  which,  as  it  fully  dis 
closes  his  feelings  at  the  time,  we  here  insert.  It  is 
the  best  comment  we  can  present  upon  the  slanderous 
charge  made  against  him  : 

"SiR  : — Summoned  by  the  confidence  of  its  citizens 
to  the  military  command  of  the  capital,  I  have  uni 
formly  declared,  that  in  the  actual  state  of  affairs,  it 
was  necessary,  to  be  useful,  that  confidence  should  be 
full  and  universal.  I  have  steadily  declared  to  the 
people,  that,  although  devoted  to  their  interest  to  my 
last  breath,  yet  I  was  incapable  of  purchasing  their 
favor  by  unjustly  yielding  to  their  wishes.  You  are 
aware,  sir,  that  one  of  the  individuals*  who  perished 
yesterday  was  placed  under  a  guard,  and  that  the 
other  was  under  the  escort  of  our  troops,  both  being 
sentenced  by  the  civil  power  to  undergo  a  regular 
trial.  Such  were  the  proper  means  to  satisfy  justice, 
to  discover  their  accomplices,  and  to  fulfill  the  solemn 
engagements  of  every  citizen  toward  the  National 
Assembly  and  the  King. 

"  The  people  would  not  hearken  to  my  advice  ; — 


*  The  two  individuals  alluded  to  here,  were  Foulon  and  his  son-in- 
law,  Berthier,  and  it  is  a  matter  worthy  of  note  by  those  who  so  unce 
remoniously  call  Lafayette  a  "horrid  ruffian,"  that  during  his  command 
these  were  the  only  fatal  excesses  which  a  mob  of  lawless  violence  dis 
played. 


254  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

and  the  moment  when  the  confidence  which  they  pro 
mised,  and  reposed  in  me,  is  lost,  it  becomes  my  duty, 
as  I  have  before  stated,  to  abandon  a  post  in  which  I 
can  be  no  longer  useful.  I  am,  with  respect,  &c., 

"LAFAYETTE." 

The  estimation  in  which  Lafayette  was  regarded 
at  this  time,  is  fully  disclosed  by  the  effect  which  his 
letter  produced.  M.  Bailly,  the  mayor  of  the  city, 
laid  it  before  the  municipality,  who,  with  one  voice 
immediately,  and  earnestly,  solicited  its  recall.  The 
National  Assembly  received  it  with  universal  conster 
nation.  The  National  Guards  flocked  around  him  as 
if  to  compel  him  again  to  take  the  command.  The 
news  spread  rapidly  over  the  city,  and  was  received 
every  where  with  lamentation.  The  mayor  and  coun 
cil  waited  upon  him  in  a  body,  at  midnight,  and 
solicited  him,  by  every  possible  motive,  to  retract  his 
resignation.  The  result  was  ineffectual,  and  the  next 
day  he  appeared  before  them,  and  thus,  in  public, 
declared  his  sentiments : 

" GENTLEMEN: — I  come  to  acknowledge  the  last 
testimonies  of  your  kindness,  with  all  the  warmth  of 
a  heart  whose  first  desire,  after  that  of  serving  the 
people,  is  to  be  loved  by  them,  and  to  express  my 
astonishment  at  the  importance  they  deign  to  attach 
to  an  individual,  in  a  free  country,  where  nothing 
should  be  of  real  importance  except  law.  If  my 
conduct  on  this  occasion,  could  be  regulated  by  my 
sentiments  of  gratitude  and  affection,  I  should  only 
reply  to  the  regrets  with  which  you  and  the  National 
Guards  had  honored  me,  by  yielding  obedience  to 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  255 

your  entreaties ; — but,  as  I  was  guided  by  no  feeling 
of  private  interest  when  I  formed  that  resolution,  so 
also,  in  the  midst  of  the  various  causes  for  agitation 
that  surround  us,  I  cannot  allow  myself  to  be  go 
verned  by  my  private  affections.  *  * 

"  Gentlemen,  when  I  received  such  touching  proofs 
of  affection,  too  much  was  done  for  me  and  too  little 
for  the  law,  I  am  convinced  how  well  my  comrades 
love  me,  but  I  am  still  ignorant  to  what  degree  they 
cherish  the  principles  on  which  liberty  is  founded. 
Deign  to  make  known  to  the  National  Guards  this 
sincere  avowal  of  my  sentiments.  To  command  them, 
it  is  necessary  that  I  should  feel  certain  that  they 
unanimously  believe  that  the  fate  of  the  constitution 
is  suspended  upon  the  execution  of  law,  the  only  sove 
reign  of  a  free  people; — that  individual  liberty,  the 
security  of  each  man's  home,  religious  liberty,  and 
respect  for  legitimate  authority,  are  duties  as  sacred 
to  them  as  to  myself.  We  require  not  only  courage 
and  vigilance,  but  unanimity  in  these  principles  ;  and  I 
thought,  and  still  think,  that  the  constitution  will  be 
better  served  by  my  resignation,  on  the  grounds  1 
have  given,  than  by  my  acquiescence  in  the  request 
with  which  you  have  deigned  to  honor  me." 

Was  this  the  conduct  and  the  language  of  a  "  hor 
rid  ruffian,"  or  of  one  "ambitious  of  command."  Does 
all  this  look  as  if  "  he  used  his  power  to  promote 
anarchy  and  foster  a  spirit  of  discord  in  Paris  1"  The 
whole  charge  would  be  too  ridiculous  to  merit  a  mo 
ment's  attention,  did  not  the  source  in  which  it  origi 
nates  entitle  it  to  a  passing  consideration.  In  this 


256  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

circumstance,  which  has  been  so  foully  perverted  by 
his  enemies,  the  true  reader  of  history  will  find  a  fresh 
laurel  to  add  to  the  brow  of  Lafayette. 

The  National  Guards  were  assembled  awaiting  his 
decision,  and  immediately  upon  receiving  it,  they  pas 
sed  the  following  resolution  : — "  The  National  Assem 
bly  has  decreed  that  public  force  should  be  obedient, 
and  a  portion  of  the  Parisian  army  has  shown  itself 
essentially  disobedient.  General  Lafayette  has  only 
ceased  to  command  that  army  because  they  have 
ceased  to  obey  law.  He  requires  a  complete  submis 
sion  to  the  law,  not  a  servile  attachment  to  his  person. 
Let  the  battalions  assemble.  Let  each  citizen-soldier 
swear  on  his  word  and  honor  to  obey  the  law.  Let 
those  who  refuse  be  excluded  from  the  National 
Guards.  Let  the  wish  of  the  army,  thus  regenerated, 
be  carried  to  General  Lafayette,  and  he  will  conceive 
it  his  duty  to  resume  the  command." 

Lafayette  hesitated,  but  finally  yielded  to  the  wish 
so  universally  expressed.  Thanks  were  offered  him 
by  public  bodies  and  private  citizens.  During  the 
time  he  occupied  this  post,  he  manifested  the  disinte 
restedness  apparent  whenever  a  sacrifice  was  needed. 
He  forgot  himself,  in  his  care  for  the  public  good. 
When  urged  by  the  municipality  of  Paris  to  accept 
some  remuneration  for  his  services,  he  refused  with 
a  generosity  unparalleled.  "My  private  fortune,"  said 
he  to  them,  "  secures  me  from  want.  It  has  outlasted 
two  revolutions ;  and  should  it  survive  a  third, 
through  the  complaisance  of  the  people,  it  shall  be 
long  to  them  alone."  In  this  Revolution,  as  in  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  257 

American,  Lafayette  won  the  hearts  of  all  observers. 
The  great  minds  of  the  kingdom  looked  to  him  as  a 
leading  spirit  among  themselves.  "  There  is  one  man 
in  the  state,"  said  Mirabeau,  "  who,  from  his  position, 
is  exposed  to  the  hazard  of  all  events  ; — to  whom 
successes  can  offer  no  compensation  for  reverses ; 
and  who  is,  in  some  manner,  answerable  for  the 
repose,  we  may  even  say  the  safety,  of  the  public, — 
and  that  man  is  Lafayette." 

Revolutions  never  go  backward.  They  are  the 
development  of  a  germ  whose  vitality  must  exhibit 
itself  in  growth  from  the  action  of  its  own  inherent 
law.  They  have  a  progress  which  no  human  power 
can  hold  in  abeyance.  The  French  Revolution  had 
begun  its  fearful  course,  and  no  arm  of  man  could 
arrest  it,  or  long  retard  its  consummation.  Day 
by  day  witnessed  its  slow  but  sure  advance  ;  the 
mighty  wheel  which  a  baby-hand  might  have  set 
in  motion,  soon  acquired  a  momentum  which  the 
strength  of  a  giant  could  not  meet.  A  force  sublimer, 
it  would  seem,  than  any  at  that  time  understood,  was 
working  underneath  the  current,  preparing  for  an 
awful  manifestation.  Unconscious  of  it  all,  the  King, 
believing  that  every  thing  was  settled  and  himself 
secure,  fell  back  upon  his  advisers,  and  forgot  that 
he  had  a  people  to  care  for,  who  were  suffering  from 
neglect  and  starvation.  Famine  was  staring  thou 
sands  in  the  face,  but  ignorant  or  careless  of  it,  he 
increased  his  own  luxuries  and  extravagance.  In  the 
midst  of  the  hunger  and  wretchedness  which  reigned 
around  him,  he  spread  his  banquet  board  and  gave 


258  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

royal  entertainments,  as  though  to  mock  the  misery 
which  he  would  not  heal.  Royal  arrogance  looked 
proudly  down  upon  its  minions  and  fancied  all  was 
peace,  because  secluded  from  the  scenes  of  wo.  But 
while  the  saloons  of  Versailles  rung  with  revelry,  a 
sword  suspended  by  a  hair,  glittered  over  the  head 
of  the  King ;  yet  he  saw  it  not.  "  Quern  Deus  vult 
perdere  prius  dementat" 

On  the  first  and  third  of  October  magnificent  ban 
quets  were  held  at  court,  and  were  soon  followed  by 
an  unexpected  response,  which  told  Louis  and  his 
cabinet  the  suicidal  game  they  had  played.  On  the 
morning  of  the  fifth  of  October,  a  young  woman 
rushed  into  a  guard-house,  seized  a  drum  and  then 
ran  with  it  along  the  street,  beating  it  hurriedly,  and 
crying,  "  Bread !  Bread  I "  It  was  the  signal  for  a 
general  outbreak.  Her  shriek  woke  up  a  thousand 
desolate  hearts.  Every  faubourg  through  which  she 
sped  poured  forth  its  crowds,  chiefly  of  women,  and 
soon  a  mighty  host  were  flocking  after  her  and  joining 
in  her  despairing  prayer  for  "  bread !  bread ! "  From 
the  markets  and  public  halls  ;  from  dismal  and  secret 
lurking  places,  where  misery  and  vice  were  wont  to 
shrink  away  from  the  sunlight;  from  hearth-stones 
where  hopeless  penury  had  urged  to  crime,  they 
rushed  forth  and  seizing  such  weapons  as  fell  in  their 
way,  hurried  on  ;  while  over  them  all  went  up  to 
the  unanswering  heavens,  that  mad  chorus,  "  bread  f 
bread ! "  They  came  to  the  Hotel  de  Ville  where  the 
representatives  of  the  commune  were  accustomed  to 
assemble,  and  their  fury  knew  no  bounds  when  they 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  259 

found  that  .the  hour  for  the  morning  meeting  had  not 
yet  arrived.  They  rushed  upon  a  battalion  of  the 
National  Guards  which  was  drawn  up  before  the  hall, 
and  drove  it  back  by  a  volley  of  stones.  They  broke 
open  the  door  leading  to  the  great  bell  and  sounded  the 
tocsin,  whose  notes  were  a  peal  of  alarm  to  every  part 
of  the  city.  All  Paris  was  instantly  in  motion.  The 
earthquake  which  had  slumbered  long,  was  on  the 
march.  As  though  by  a  magic  impulse,  Paris  was  in 
a  state  of  complete  insurrection.  Suddenly  the  tide 
set  towards  Versailles  and  the  multitude  like  the 
ocean,  lashed  into  billows,  rolled  in  dark  waves  towards 
the  royal  palace.  Lafayette  with  the  first  news  of 
the  riot  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  the  Guard 
before  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  but  the  immense  assemblage 
which  still  continued  to  blockade  him  there,  prevented 
his  learning  for  some  time  the  tumultuous  departure 
for  Versailles.  "As  soon  as  the  tidings  reached  me,*' 
to  use  his  own  language,  "  I  instantly  perceived  that 
whatever  might  be  the  consequence  of  this  movement 
the  public  safety  required  that  I  should  take  part  in 
it,  and  after  having  received  from  the  Hotel  de  Ville 
an  order  and  two  commissaries,  I  hastily  provided  for 
the  security  of  Paris  and  took  the  road  to  Versailles 
at  the  head  of  several  battalions."  Fearing  that  the 
Guard  themselves  might  be  induced  to  join  in  the 
revolt  he  halted  on  the  way  and  made  each  one  renew 
his  oath  of  obedience  to  the  law,  and  fidelity  to  the 
King.  He  arrived  at  Versailles  about  midnight,  and 
sent  word  to  the  President  of  the  Assembly  that  the 
army  had  promised  to  do  its  duty  and  that  nothing 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

should  be  done  contrary  to  law.  He  then  repaired  to 
the  palace,  and  with  every  demonstration  of  respect, 
assured  Louis  of  his  own  attachment  and  that  of  his 
army.  The  King  appeared  satisfied  with  the  pre 
cautions  which  had  been  taken  and  desired  him  to 
place  a  guard  on  the  outposts  of  the  palace.  The 
inner  guard  was  refused  him,  but,  without  a  murmur, 
the  Marquis  left  the  royal  presence  and  made  every 
possible  arrangement  for  safety.  He  secured  the 
hotel  of  the  life  guards  sent  out  numerous  patrols  in 
different  directions,  saw  that  sufficient  protection  was 
thrown  around  the  palace,  and  then  made  additional 
arrangements  for  the  quiet  of  Paris.  Not  till  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  after  more  than  twenty  hours 
unremitting  exertion,  did  he  allow  his  almost  ex 
hausted  nature  to  take  the  least  repose. 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  royal  residence  all 
•was  tranquil,  but  farther  away  the  aspect  of  the 
populace  presaged  another  tempest.  "  Large  groups 
of  savage  men  and  intoxicated  women  were  seated 
around  the  watch-fires  in  all  the  streets  of  Versailles, 
and  relieved  the  tedium  of  a  rainy  night  by  singing 
revolutionary  songs.  In  one  of  these  circles  their 
exasperation  was  such,  that,  seated  on  the  corpse  of 
one  of  the  body  guard,  they  devoured  the  flesh  of  his 
horse,  half-roasted  in  the  flames,  while  a  ring  of  frantic 
cannibals  danced  round  the  group.  At  six  o'clock  a 
furious  mob  rushed  towards  the  palace,  and  finding  a 
gate  open,*  speedily  filled  the  staircases  and  vestibules 

*  This  gate,  so  carelessly  left  open,  had  been  entrusted  to  the  life- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  261 

of  the  royal  apartments.  The  assasms  rushed  into 
the  Queen's  room  a  few  minutes  after  she  had  left  it, 
and,  enraged  at  finding  their  victim  escaped,  pierced 
her  bed  with  their  bayonets.  They  then  dragged  the 
bodies  of  two  of  the  body  guard  who  had  been  mas 
sacred,  below  the  windows  of  the  King,  beheaded 
them,  and  carried  the  bloody  heads  in  triumph  upon 
the  points  of  their  pikes  through  the  streets  of  Ver 
sailles." 

Lafayette  had  not  yet  fallen  asleep,  and  springing 
up  at  the  sound  of  the  tumult,  he  leaped  upon  a  horse 
and  regardless  of  danger,  galloped  fearlessly  into  the 
midst  of  the  fray.  The  insurgents  had  taken  several 
of  the  life  guards  from  the  palace,  and  with  shouts  of 
savage  vengeance  were  on  the  point  of  slaughtering 
them,  when  Lafayette  appeared  among  them  and 
sternly  bade  them  cease.  Having  succeeded  in  libe 
rating  the  captives,  he  sent  them  back  with  the 
troops  which  had  escorted  him,  while,  with  a  courage 
which  always  rose  with  peril,  he  remained  alone,  to 
stay  the  living  tide.  Foiled  in  their  object,  with  their 
prey  wrested  from  their  grasp,  the  wrath  of  the  mul 
titude  turned  upon  Lafayette.  One  of  them  aimed  a 
musket  at  his  head,  but  observing  the  act,  though 
without  changing  his  position,  he  cooly  commanded 
the  spectators  to  bring  the  man  to  him.  The  ferocity 
of  the  tiger  was  in  a  moment  changed.  Lafayette  as 


guards  in  preference  to  giving  the  charge  of  it  to  Lafayette.  All  the 
arrangements  of  the  Marquis  were  perfect,  and  not  a  post  which  he 
huxi  been  entrusted  with  was  found  unguarded. 


262  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  people's  friend  was  there,  and  seizing  the  culprit 
who  had  dared  to  lift  his  arm  against  his  benefactor, 
they  dashed  out  his  brains  upon  the  pavement,  while 
the  welkin  rung  with  "  Five  Lafayette"  Having 
calmed  the  excited  throngs,  the  Marquis  hastened  to 
the  palace  and  was  hailed  by  the  acclamations  of 
the  life  guard,  "  Lafayette  for  ever  /  "  His  grenadiers 
flocked  around  him  and  received  his  mandate  to 
protect  the  monarch  with  the  warmest  demonstrations 
of  loyalty.  The  court  saw  and  acknowledged  their 
indebtedness  to  him  for  life,  and  gave  particular  tes 
timonies  of  their  gratitude.  Madame  Adelaide,  the 
King's  aunt,  ran  up  to  him  and  clasped  him  in  her 
arms,  saying,  "General,  you  have  saved  us.  I  owe 
you  more  than  my  life,  I  owe  you  that  of  the  King, 
my  poor  nephew." 

Danger  was  not  yet  over,  for  peace  had  been  only 
temporarily  restored.  The  people  began  to  collect 
again.  They  crowded  into  the  marble  hall,  and  ex 
pressed  their  designs  with  frightful  howlings.  "  To 
Paris !  to  Paris,  with  the  King !"  was  the  fierce  call 
which  came  from  men  and  women  without,  and  fell 
with  startling  emphasis  upon  the  ear  of  beleagured 
royalty.  A  council  was  held,  and  Louis  determined 
to  present  himself  before  his  enraged  subjects.  With 
mild  dignity  he  came  out  upon  the  balcony,  respect 
fully  attended  by  Lafayette,  and  calmly  stood  in  the 
presence  of  those  who,  a  moment  before,  burned  with 
hostility  towards  him.  This  was  regarded  as  a  pledge 
from  Louis  that  he  would  go  to  Paris,  and  inquire 
into  the  distresses  of  his  people,  and  united  with  his 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  203 

kingly  dignity,  gave  another  interlude  to  the  tragical 
scenes.  Fickle  as  the  wind,  they  now  shouted,  "Long 
live  the  King !"  as  earnestly  as  they  had  hurled  their 
anathemas  upon  his  head. 

But  while  these  acclamations  were  rising,  threaten 
ing  voices  were  heard  against  the  Queen.  Marie 
Antoinette  had  never  been  a  favorite  with  the  French, 
for  many,  with  too  much  justice,  believed  that  she 
was  mainly  instrumental  in  leading  Louis  to  neglect 
the  interests  of  his  people.  As  Lafayette  caught 
the  imprecations,  he  stepped  back  into  her  saloon  and 
respectfully  inquired  if  it  was  her  intention >  to  ac 
company  the  King  to  Paris.  "  Yes,"  she  replied, 
"  although  I  know  the  danger."  "  Madame,"  said  he, 
"are  you  resolved  1" — "I  am." — "Condescend,  then, 
to  appear  in  the  balcony,  and  permit  me  to  accompany 
you,"  said  Lafayette.  "What,"  said  the  Queen, — 
"without  the  King? — Have  you  observed  the  threats]'1 
"Yes,  madame,"  was  the  reply,  "but  venture  to  con 
fide  in  me."  With  a  courage  well  worthy  of  a  daugh 
ter  of  the  Caesars,  she  suffered  herself  to  be  conducted, 
by  Lafayette,  to  the  balcony.  She  was  dressed  in 
white,  her  head  was  bare  and  adorned  with  beautiful 
fair  locks,  and  with  firmness,  but  great  grace  and  dig 
nity,  she  glided  forward  and  stood  motionless  before 
the  crowd.  It  was  a  delicate  and  dangerous  step ; — 
but  Lafayette  well  knew  that  the  danger  was  less 
than  it  would  be,  were  the  Queen  to  depart  for  Paris 
without  being  reconciled  to  the  people.  Threats  were 
still  made,  and  amid  the  tumult,  it  was  necessary  to 
speak  to  the  eyes  rather  than  to  the  ears  of  the  multi- 


264  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

tude.  Stepping  forward  gallantly,  he  stooped  and 
raised  the  hand  of  the  Queen  to  his  lips  in  respectful 
homage.  The  act  was  a  simple  one.  but  it  showed 
how  well  Lafayette  knew  to  move  the  popular  cur 
rent.  Frenchmen  were  transported  at  the  sight,  and 
the  silence  which  it  had  at  first  caused,  was  soon  bro 
ken  by  —  "Long  line  the  Queen!"  "Long  live  La 
fayette  /"  The  King  looked  on  as  if  in  a  dream.  His 
palace  had  been  kept  from  ruin,  and  his  life,  with  that 
of  his  family,  had  been  preserved  solely  through  the 
efforts  of  a  man  whom  he  once  had  serious  thoughts 
of  consigning  to  the  Bastile.  He  was  compelled  to 
ask  at  his  hands  still  another  favor.  His  body  guards 
had  fired  upon  the  crowd,  and  the  cry  for  vengeance 
upon  these  was  deepening.  Louis  perceived  this,  and 
believing  that  his  own  safety  depended  upon  that  of 
his  guards,  besought  Lafayette  to  interfere  in  their 
behalf.  Beckoning  one  of  them  to  his  side,  the  Mar 
quis  led  him  forward  before  the  people,  and  in  the 
midst  of  curses,  he  unbuckled  his  own  shoulder  belt, 
placed  it  around  the  guard,  and  then  clasped  him 
affectionally  in  his  arms.  The  effect  was  as  before. 
The  populace  hesitated  a  moment,  and  then  the  air 
resounded  with  their  plaudits  as  they  thus  ratified  this 
new  reconciliation.  The  work  was  not  yet  done.  It 
was  not  enough  to  hush  to  a  momentary  quietude  the 
human  surges  sweeping  around  the  palace  of  Ver 
sailles.  All  that  mortal  man  could  do,  was  done  by 
Lafayette.  The  whole  direction  of  every  thing  was 
surrendered  into  his  hands,  and  the  King,  with  the  re 
liance  which  a  weaker  nature  places,  in  times  of  adver- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  265 

sity,  upon  the  strong,  submitted,  like  a  child,  to  his 
guidance.  Louis  had  agreed  to  depart  for  Paris,  and 
with  this  assurance  Lafayette  endeavored  to  appease 
the  people.  He  used  commands,  entreaties,  and  every 
resource  which  his  rare  ingenuity  could  suggest,  to 
induce  them  to  disperse ;  and  though  he  succeeded 
with  many,  yet  a  ferocious  rabble  remained,  declaring 
it  to  be  their  purpose  to  act  as  an  escort  to  the  royal 
cavalcade  on  its  way  to  the  capital.  Having  used  his 
utmost  endeavor  to  pacify  them,  and,  after  taking 
every  precaution  to  ensure  a  quiet  reception  in  Paris, 
he  arranged  the  King's  departure,  aware  that  every 
minute's  delay  was  fraught  with  innumerable  dangers. 
Surrounded  by  the  rabble,  and  compelled  to  listen  to 
their  yells  of  defiance  and  threatening,  the  royal 
family  set  out  from  Versailles,  closely  escorted  by 
Lafayette  and  his  guards.  The  whole  scene  is  thus 
described  by  Lavellette,  an  eye  witness  of  it : — "  At 
twelve  o'clock,  the  frightful  procession  set  off.  I  hope 
such  a  scene  will  never  be  witnessed  again  !  I  have 
often  asked  myself,  how  the  metropolis  of  a  nation  so 
celebrated  for  urbanity  and  elegance  of  manners, — 
how  the  brilliant  city  of  Paris,  could  contain  the  savage 
hordes  I  that  day  beheld,  and  who  so  long  reigned  over 
it !  In  walking  through  the  streets  of  Paris,  it  seems 
to  me,  the  features  even  of  the  lowest  and  most  mise 
rable  class  of  people,  do  not  present  to  the  eye  any 
thing  like  ferociousness  or  the  meanest  passions  in  all 
their  hideous  energy.  Can  those  passions  alter  the 
features  so  as  to  deprive  them  of  all  likeness  to  huma 
nity  1  Or,  does  the  terror  inspired  by  the  sight  of  a 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

guilty  wretch,  give  him  the  semblance  of  a  wild  beast  t 
These  madmen,  dancing  in  the  mire,  and  covered 
with  mud,  surrounded  the  King's  coach.  The  groups 
that  inarched  foremost,  carried  on  long  pikes  the 
bloody  heads  of  the  life  guardsmen,  butchered  in  the 
morning.*  Surely  Satan  himself  first  invented  the 
putting  of  a  human  head  at  the  end  of  a  lance !  The 
disfigured  and  pale  features,  the  gory  locks,  the  half 
open  mouth,  the  closed  eyes, —  images  of  death,  added 
to  the  gestures  and  salutations  which  the  executioners 
made  them  perform,  in  horrid  mockery  of  life,  pre 
sented  the  most  frightful  spectacle  that  rage  could 
have  imagined.  A  troop  of  women,  ugly  as  crime 
itself,  swarming  like  insects,  and  wearing  grenadiers' 
hairy  caps,  went  continually  to  and  fro,  howling  bar 
barous  songs,  embracing  and  insulting  the  life  guards. 
This  scene  lasted  for  eight  hours  before  the  royal 
family  arrived  at  the  Place  de  Greve.  They  alighted 
at  the  Hotel  de  ville,  their  first  resting  place  during 
protracted  misery,  that  terminated  some  years  after 
wards  in  a  horrible  death.  Thus  ended  the  memora 
ble  6th  of  October."  The  part  which  the  Marquis 
bore  in  these  transactions,  has  been  variously  repre 
sented,  and  his  British  enemies  have  found  in  them 
material  for  fresh  calumnies.  We  have  endeavored 
to  give  a  true  account  of  the  matter,  leaving  the  rea- 


*  It  has  been  said  that  Lafayette  allowed  these  horrible  trophies  to 
be  paraded  near  the  coach  of  the  King.  This  is  untrue.  They  could 
not  approach  the  King's  coach,  and,  what  is  rcore,  Lafayette  ordered 
them  at  once  to  be  disarmed,  as  soon  as  he  learned  what  they  were 
bearing. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  267 

der  to  his  own  conclusions.  It  is  too  late  to  require 
much  time  to  vindicate  Lafayette  from  those  asper 
sions.  His  character  shines  with  increased  luster  each 
succeeding  age,  and  will  emerge  from  eclipse,  as  the 
sun  gradually  scatters  the  mists  of  morning  and 
mounts  upward  to  the  zenith.  The  fact  that,  almost 
without  bloodshed,  he  was  enabled  to  control  a  mob 
which  might  otherwise  have  resulted  in  the  most  ter 
rific  anarchy,  is  sufficient  to  vindicate  his  activity  in 
the  melancholy  events  described. 

The  outbreak  was  quelled.  The  King  and  his 
household  took  up  their  residence  in  the  Tuilleries, 
and  the  National  Assembly  held  its  sittings  in  Paris. 
Versailles,  the  seat  of  intrigue  and  luxury,  was  aban 
doned,  and  something  done  for  the  relief  of  the  op 
pressed.  The  voice  of  the  masses  had  been  heard, 
and  was  producing  its  slow,  but  legitimate  effect. 
Louis  blindly  endeavored  to  hush  it,  but  in  vain.  La 
fayette  was  zealous  for  freedom,  though  he  did  not 
swerve  from  his  allegiance  to  his  sovereign.  He  saw 
that  France  was  not  yet  ready  for  a  Republic,  and 
that  the  nearest  approximation  which  she  could  make, 
was  by  a  constitutional  monarchy,  which  would  bind 
the  king  and  people  together  in  a  united  federation. 
Towards  this  all  his  efforts  were  directed,  and,  as  the 
year  1790  opened,  he  caught  glimpses  of  the  realiza 
tion  of  this  sublime  idea.  The  King  distrusted  him, 
and  his  associate  members  were,  many  of  them,  jea 
lous  of  his  growing  popularity ;  but,  true  to  himself, 
he  did  not  pause  in  his  mission.  He  saw  the  constitu 
tion  growing  under  the  hands  of  the  Assembly,  while 
18 


268  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

they  were  shaking  from  the  state  the  vipers  of  cor 
ruption  which  had  fastened  upon  its  vitality.  The  old 
rubbish  of  the  feudal  system,  which,  for  ages,  had  pe 
netrated  with  decay  the  national  heart,  was  cleared 
away,  and  the  King  was  no  longer  invested  with 
supreme  authority  over  the  population  of  his  realm. 
The  executive,  the  legislative,  and  the  judicial  depart 
ments  were  successively  scrutinized,  and  established 
after  a  new  and  more  complete  model.  A  free  consti 
tution,  whose  glorious  principles  sent  fear  to  every 
.  despot  in  Europe,  was,  at  length,  established,  notwith- 
;  standing  the  endeavor  to  crush  the  germ  of  liberty  in 
its  bud.  Louis,  vacillating  as  usual,  would  sometimes 
give  assent  to  every  proposition,  and  then  blindly  and 
stubbornly  retract.  Still  progress  was  made,  and 
before  the  anniversary  of  the  rising  of  the  people 
and  the  taking  of  the  Bastile  had  recurred,  the  foun 
dation  of  a  republican  representation  had  been  laid. 

The  14th  of  July  was  approaching,  and  it  was 
determined  to  celebrate  it  in  a  manner  worthy  the 
anniversary  of  a  nation's  deliverance,  of  a  nation's 
sovereignty.  The  municipality  of  Paris  proposed  that 
a  confederation  of  the  whole  realm  should  take  place 
in  the  capital,  when  the  deputies  sent  by  the  eighty- 
three  departments,  the  popular  representation,  the  Pa 
risian  guard,  and  the  monarch,  should  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  constitution.  The  plan  was  hailed 
with  enthusiasm  over  France,  and  immense  prepara 
tions  were  immediately  commenced  for  making  the 
ceremony  worthy  of  its  great  object. 

The  place  selected  for  the  festival  was  the  Champ 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  269 

de  Mars,  a  spacious  area  extending  from  the  Military 
School  to  the  left  bank  of  the  Seine.  In  the  midst 
of  the  plain  an  altar  was  erected,  where  the  oath  was 
to  be  administered,  and  around  it  an  immense  amphi 
theater  was  thrown  up,  where  four  hundred  thousand 
spectators  could  sit  and  witness  the  grand  ratification. 
Near  the  altar,  in  the  center  of  the  plain,  and  under  an 
elegant  pavilion,  was  erected  a  throne  for  the  King, 
which,  together  with  the  seats  for  the  Assembly  by 
which  it  was  flanked,  was  sprinkled  all  over  with 
golden  fleurs  de  lis.  Balconies  were  erected  for  the 
Queen  and  court,  and  triumphal  arches  of  great  mag 
nificence,  spanned  every  entrance  to  the  field.  Upon 
the  immense  labor  necessary,  twelve  thousand  laborers 
were  constantly  employed,  and  still  there  was  appre 
hension  of  failure  in  completing  the  work  by  the  time 
appointed  for  the  imposing  pageant.  The  inhabitants 
then  proposed  to  assist ;  enthusiasm  soon  animated  the 
entire  population,  impelled  by  the  one  desire  of  prepa 
ring  for  the  day  irrevocably  fixed  for  the  ceremony. 
Men  and  women,  high  born  and  low,  flocked  together, 
and  with  perfect  order  and  harmony,  plied  their  busy 
hands.  Churchmen,  soldiers,  elegant  females,  the  nun 
from  her  convent,  the  monk  from  his  cloister, —  per 
sons  of  all  classes,  took  up  the  spade  and  pickaxe,  and 
mingled  amicably  together.  Says  a. writer  of  the 
time  : — "  The  mind  felt  sinking  under  the  weight  of  a 
delicious  intoxication,  at  the  sight  of  a  whole  people 
who  had  descended  again  to  the  sweet  sentiments  of  a 
primitive  fraternity." 

Meanwhile,  the  federalists  were  beginning  to  assem- 


270  'LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

ble  from  all  quarters  of  the  kingdom,  and  were  recei 
ved,  with  .open  arms,  by  their  brethren  in  Paris.  Four 
days  before  the  celebration,  the  different  deputations 
met  in  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  to  chose  a  president  for  the 
federation.  Lafayette  was  the  only  man  in  the  nation 
who  could  be  selected  for  this  office,  and  he  was 
hailed  President  by  acclamation.  He  wished  to  de 
cline,  but  the  Assembly  would  not  excuse  him.  His 
faithful  devotion  to  the  people,  had  drawn  the  nation 
gratefully  towards  him,  and  the  honor  conferred  upon 
him,  was  only  a  faint  expression  of  the  popular  regard. 
Then  from  the  rival  power,  came  an  equal  honor. 
By  a  special  act  of  the  Assembly  the  King  had  been 
appointed  for  the  day  of  the  ceremony  only,  supreme 
commander  of  the  entire  National  Guard.  This  office 
he  delegated  to  Lafayette,  who,  by  it,  became  high 
constable  of  all  the  armed  men  in  the  kingdom,  and, 
in  fact,  controlled  the  destinies  of  France. 

On  the  13th  of  July,  the  confederates,  with  the 
Marquis  at  their  head,  waited  upon  the  National  As 
sembly  and  the  monarch,  to  pay  them  their  homage. 
The  occasion  was  one  full  of  interest,  and  gilded  the 
dawn  of  liberty  with  new  glories.  In  glowing  terms, 
Lafayette  addressed  the  members,  and  assured  them 
of  the  gratitude  of  the  nation  for  all  they  had  done 
in  her  behalf.  "  You  well  knew,"  said  he,  "  the  ne 
cessities  of  France,  and  the  will  of  Frenchmen,  when 
you  destroyed  the  gothic  fabric  of  our  government 
and  laws,  and  respected  only  their  monarchical  prin 
ciple  ;  —  Europe  then  discovered  that  a  good  king 
could  be  the  protector  of  a  free,  as  he  had  been  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  271 

ground  of  comfort  to  an  oppressed  people.  The  rights 
of  man  are  declared, —  the  sovereignty  of  the  people 
acknowledged, —  their  power  is  representative, — and 
the  bases  of  public  order  are  established.  Hasten, 
then,  to  give  energy  to  the  power  of  the  state.  The 
people  owe  to  you  the  glory  of  a  new  constitution  ; 
but  they  require  and  expect  that  peace  and  tranquil 
lity  which  cannot  exist  without  a  firm  and  effectual 
organization  of  government.  We,  gentlemen,  devoted 
to  the  Revolution,  and  united  in  the  name  of  liberty — 
the  guarantees  alike  of  individual  and  common  rights 
and  safety — we,  called  by  the  most  imperative  duty 
from  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  founding  our  confidence 
on  your  wisdom,  and  our  hopes  on  your  services, — we 
will  bear  without  hesitation,  to  the  altar  of  the  coun 
try,  the  oath  which  you  may  dictate  to  its  soldiers. — 
Yes,  gentlemen,  our  arms  shall  be  stretched  forth  to 
gether,  and,  at  the  same  instant,  our  brothers  from  all 
parts  of  France  shall  utter  the  oath  which  will  unite 
them  together.  May  the  solemnity  of  that  great  day 
be  the  signal  of  the  conciliation  of  parties;  of  the  pbli- 
vion  of  resentments,  and  of  the  establishment  of  public 
peace  and  happiness.  And  fear  not  that  this  holy 
enthusiasm  will  hurry  us  beyond  the  proper  and  pre 
scribed  limits  of  public  order.  Under  the  protection 
of  the  law,  the  standard  of  liberty  shall  never  become 
the  rallying  point  of  licentiousness  and  disorder.  Gen 
tlemen,  we  swear  to  you  to  respect  the  law  which  it 
is  our  duty  to  defend,  —  swear  by  our  honor  as  free 
men, —  and  Frenchmen  do  not  promise  in  vain."  To 
Louis  he  gave  the  unfeigned  assurances  of  the  loyalty 


272  LITE  OF  GENERAL 

of  his  people,  and  told  him  that  he  did  not  forget  the 
rights  of  the  sovereign,  while  he  regarded  those  of  the 
nation.  "Sire,"  said  he,  "in  the  course  of  those  me 
morable  events  which  have  restored  to  the  nation  its 
imprescriptible  rights,  and  during  which  the  energy  of 
the  people,  and  the  virtues  of  their  King,  have  pro 
duced  such  illustrious  examples  for  the  contemplation 
of  the  world,  we  loved  to  hail,  in  the  person  of  your 
majesty,  the  most  illustrious  of  all  titles, —  chief  of  the 
French,  and  King  of  a  free  people.  Enjoy,  sire,  the 
recompense  of  your  virtues,  and  let  that  pure  homage 
which  despotism  could  not  command,  be  the  glory  and 
reward  of  a  citizen  king.  The  National  Guards  of 
France  swear  to  your  majesty  an  obedience  which 
shall  know  no  other  limits  than  those  of  the  law,  and 
a  love  which  shall  only  terminate  with  their  exis 
tence." 

The  day  of  days  at  length  came.  Grayly  broke 
forth  the  dawn  of  the  14th  of  July.  In  the  words 
of  a  historian  of  the  Revolution,  "  In  spite  of  plotting 
aristocrats,  lazy,  hired  spademen,  and  almost  of  des 
tiny  itself — for  there  had  been  much  rain  —  the 
Champ  de  Mars  is  fairly  ready.  The  morning  comes, 
cold  for  a  July  one  ;  but  such  a  festival  would  make 
Greenland  smile.  Through  every  inlet  of  that  na 
tional  amphitheater — for  it  is  a  league  in  circuit,  cut 
with  openings  at  due  intervals — floods  in  the  living 
throng,  covering,  without  tumult,  space  after  space. 
Two  hundred  thousand  patriotic  men,  and,  twice  as 
good,  one  hundred  thousand  patriotic  women,  all 
decked  and  glorified,  as  one  can  fancy,  sit  waiting 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  273 

in  this  Champ  de  Mars.  What  a  picture,  that  circle 
of  bright-dyed  life,  spread  up  there  on  its  thirty-seated 
slope,  leaning,  one  would  say,  on  the  thick  umbrage 
of  those  avenue  trees — for  the  stems  of  them  are 
hidden  by  the  height ;  and  all  beyond  it  mere  green 
ness  of  the  summer  earth,  with  the  gleam  of  waters 
or  white  sparklings  of  stone  edifices.  On  remotest 
steeple  and  invisible  village  belfry  stand  men  with 
spy-glasses.  On  the  heights  of  Chaillot  are  many 
colored,  undulating  groups  ;  round,  and  far  on,  over 
all  the  circling  heights  that  embosom  Paris,  it  is  as 
one,  more  or  less,  peopled  amphitheater,  which  the  eye 
grows  dim  with  measuring.  Nay.  heights  have  can 
non,  and  a  floating  battery  of  cannon  is  on  the  Seine. 
When  eye  fails,  ear  shall  serve.  And  all  France, 
properly,  is  but  one  amphitheater ;  for,  in  paved  town 
and  unpaved  hamlet  men  walk,  listening,  till  the 
muffled  thunder  sounds  audibly  on  their  horizon,  that 
they,  too,  may  begin  swearing  and  firing.  But  now, 
to  streams  of  music,  come  confederates  enough,  for 
they  have  assembled  on  the  Boulevard  St.  Antoine, 
and  come  marching  through  the  city  with  their  eighty- 
three  department  banners,  and  blessings,  not  loud  but 
deep  ;  comes  National  Assembly,  and  takes  seat  un 
der  its  canopy  ;  comes  royalty,  and  takes  seat  on  a 
throne  beside  it ;  and  Lafayette,  on  a  white  charger, 
is  here,  and  all  the  civic  functionaries  ;  and  the  con 
federates  form  dances,  till  their  strictly  military 
evolutions  and  manoeuvres  can  begin.  Task  not  the 
pen  of  mortal  to  describe  them  ;  truant  imagination 
droops —  declares  that  it  is  not  worth  while.  There 


274  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

is  wheeling  and  sweeping  to  slow,  to  quick,  to  double 
quick  time.  Sieur  Motier,  or  Generalissimo  Lafayette 
— for  they  are  one  and  the  same,  and  he,  as  General 
of  France,  in  the  King's  stead,  for  twenty-four  hours 
—  must  step  forth  with  that  sublime,  chivalrous  gait 
of  his,  solemnly  ascend  the  steps  of  Fatherland's  altar, 
in  sight  of  heaven  and  of  scarcely  breathing  earth, 
and  pronounce  the  oath,  "  To  King,  to  Law,  to  Na 
tion,"  in  his  own  name  and  that  of  armed  France  ; 
whereat  there  is  waving  of  banners,  and  sufficient 
acclaim.  The  National  Assembly  must  swear,  stand 
ing  in  its  place  ;  the  King  himself,  audibly.  The 
King  swears ;  and  now  be  the  welkin  split  with 
vivats ;  let  citizens,  enfranchised,  embrace ;  armed 
confederates  clang  their  arms  ;  and,  above  all,  let  that 
floating  battery  speak.  It  has  spoken  —  to  the  four 
corners  of  France !  From  eminence  to  eminence, 
bursts  the  thunder,  faint  heard,  loud  repeated.  From 
Arras  to  Avignon — from  Metz  to  Bayonne  —  over 
Orleans  and  Blois  —  it  rolls  in  cannon  recitative  ;  Puy 
bellows  of  it  amid  his  granite  mountains  ;  Pau,  where 
is  the  shelt  cradle  of  great  Henri.  At  far  Marseilles, 
one  can  think  the  ruddy  evening  witnesses  it  ;  over 
the  deep  blue  Mediterranean  waters,  the  castle  of  If, 
ruddy  tinted,  darts  forth  from  every  cannon's  mouth 
its  tongue  of  fire  ;  and  all  the  people  shout,  '  Yes, 
France  is  free  ! '  Glorious  France,  that  has  burst 
out  so,  into  universal  sound  and  smoke,  and  attained 
the  Phrygian  cap  of  liberty." 

In   this   brilliant   festival  Lafayette   was  the  grand 
actor.     Neither  King  nor  Queen,  not  even  the  As- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  275 

sembly,  nor  the  confederates,  could  awaken  such 
acclamations  as  greeted  him  when  he  ascended  the 
altar  and  took  the  prescribed  oath.  His  popularity, 
however,  did  not  intoxicate  him,  or  make  him  love 
freedom  the  less.  When  the  wish  was  indicated  to 
him  that  he  should  be  invested  with  the  permanent 
command  of  the  military  force  of  the  realm,  high  as 
such  an  honor  would  be,  he  would  not  for  a  moment 
listen  to  the  suggestion.  He  urged  the  deputation, 
instead  of  thinking  of  him,  to  regard  only  the  welfare 
of  the  common  country,  and  not  to  blight  the  promise 
of  brighter  years.  "  Let  not  ambition,"  said  he, 
"  take  possession  of  you  ;  love  the  friends  of  the 
people,  but  reserve  blind  submission  for  the  law,  and 
enthusiasm  for  liberty.  .  Pardon  this  advice,  gentle 
men  ;  you  have  given  me  the  glorious  right  to  offer 
it,  when,  by  loading  me  with  every  species  of  favor 
which  one  of  your  brothers  could  receive  from  you, 
my  heart,  amidst  its  delightful  emotions,  cannot  re 
press  a  feeling  of  fear."  As  the  confederates  were 
about  to  leave  Paris  for  their  homes,  they  gave 
Lafayette  the  assurance  of  their  grateful  affection. 
"  The  deputies  of  the  National  Guards  of  France 
retire,"  said  they,  "  with  the  regret  of  not  being  able 
to  nominate  you  their  chief.  They  respect  the  con 
stitutional  law,  though  it  checks,  at  this  moment,  the 
impulse  of  their  hearts.  A  circumstance  which  must 
cover  you  with  immortal  glory  is,  that  you,  yourself 
promoted  the  law  ;  that  you,  yourself,  prescribed 
bounds  to  our  gratitude." 


276  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

The  multiudes,  intoxicated  with  excitement  and 
hope,  left  the  campagne  to  the  silence  of  night  and 
the  light  of  the  stars,  while  their  fevered  brain  re 
peated  in  fantastic  dreams  the  scenes  of  that  jubilant 
day,  which  was  too  soon  to  be  followed  by  the  groans 
of  a  decimated  and  frantic  people. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

SOLEMN  PERJURY  — LAFAYETTE'S  POSITION  — His  LETTER  TO  WASHINGTON  — 
JEALOUSY  OF  THE  KING  AND  QUEEN  —  FLIGHT  AND  RETURN  OP  THE  ROYAL 
FAMILY— THE  KING  SIGNS  THE  CONSTITUTION —  LAFAYETTE  RESIGNS  HIS 
OFFICE  AS  COMMANDER  OF  THE  NATIONAL  GUARDS —  AFFECTION  OF  THB 
GUARDS  AND  THE  NATION  FOR  HIM  — TESTIMONIALS  OF  ESTEEM  — Ha  RE 
TIRES  TO  CHAVAGNIAC  —  PETION  is  ELECTED  MAYOR  OF  PARIS  —  PREPARA 
TIONS  FOR  WAR — LAFAYETTE  is  CALLED  UPON — HE  ASSUMES  THE  COMMAND 
—MARCHES  TO  GIVET— TREASON  — RETIRES  TO  MAUBEAGE  — LETTER  TO  THE 
ASSEMBLY— APPEARS  IN  PARIS— RETURNS  TO  HIS  ARMY  — LAST  EFFORT  TO 
SAVE  THE  KING  —  THE  REIGN  OF  TERROR  —  DECREE  AGAINST  LAFAYETTE  — 
DIFFICULTIES  WHICH  SURROUND  HIM — HE  LEAVES  THE  ARMY. 

The  vacillating  character  of  the  French,  was  never 
exhibited  more  clearly  than  in  the  events  which  fol 
lowed  immediately  the  14th  July.  Before  the  1st  of 
August  the  solemn  oath  seemed  to  have  been  forgot 
ten,  and  King  and  people  were  again  involved  in  the 
bitterness  of  strife.  Old  jealousies  were  revived, — 
former  disputes  were  renewed,  the  same  contentions 
which  had  previously  existed,  were  burning  again 
with  the  violence  of  a  conflagration  which,  after  a 
momentary  check,  glows  the  more  intensely.  Louis, 
in  the  enjoyment  of  his  transient  repose,  resembled 
the  human  victim  of  pagan  sacrifice,  wearing  garlands 
and  feasting,  before  laid  upon  the  bloody  altar.  To 
Lafayette  wras  committed  the  care  of  the  palace,  and 
under  his  constant  surveillance  the  King  affected  to 
feel  himself  a  prisoner.  The  Queen,  who  had  always 
distrusted  the  Marquis,  influenced  her  lord  to  make 


278  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

peevish  complaints  concerning  the  manner  of  his  at 
tendance,  to  weaken,  if  possible,  his  popular  favor. 
Lafayette,  though  he  discerned  this,  yielded  to  the  mon 
arch's  slightest  wish,  determining,  whatever  might 
be  the  course  of  others,  that  he  would  be  faithful  to 
his  oath,  "  to  defend  the  King  and  the  constitution." 
The  latter,  he  felt,  could  not  stand  without  Louis, 
who,  he  knew,  must  fall  without  that  instrument ;  he, 
therefore,  defended  both,  as  the  only  means  of  secu 
ring  the  interests  of  the  state.  Lafayette  has  been 
falsely  accused  of  wavering  here.  There  was  a  time 
when  he  seriously  considered  the  question,  whether  a 
republic  or  a  monarchy  would  the  better  promote  the 
welfare  of  the  people ;  after  he  had  calmly  decided  in 
favor  of  royalty,  he  was  consistent.  He  saw  that  his 
countrymen  were  not  prepared  for  a  Republic; — he 
believed  that  a  constitutionally  limited  monarchy  might 
be  successfully  administered,  and  acted  accordingly. 
He  did  not  waver.  Though  in  the  midst  of  trials, — 
constantly  harassed  by  difficulties  which  would  have 
overcome  a  weaker  mind,  meeting  with  darkest  en 
mity,  he  stood  like  a  rock  amid  the  ocean,  unmoved 
by  the  shock  of  the  waves. 

On  the  26th  of  August,  1790,  he  thus  writes  to  his 
cherished  friend,  Gen.  Washington  : — u  We  are  dis 
turbed  with  revolts  among  the  regiments ;  and,  as  I 
am  constantly  attacked  on  both  sides  by  the  aristocra 
tic  and  the  factious  parties,  1  do  not  know  to  which 
of  the  two  we  owe  these  insurrections.  Our  safe 
guard  against  them  is  the  National  Guards.  There 
are  more  than  a  million  of  armed  citizens  j  among 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  279 

them,  patriotic  legions ;  and  my  influence  with  them 
is  as  great  as  if  I  had  accepted  the  chief  command. 
I  have  lately  lost  some  of  my  favor  with  the  mob, 
and  displeased  the  frantic  lovers  of  licentiousness,  as 
I  am  bent  on  establishing  a  legal  subordination.  But 
the  nation  at  large  is  very  thankful  to  me  for  it.  It  is 
not  out  of  the  heads  of  aristocrats  to  make  a  counter 
revolution.  Nay,  they  do  what  they  can  with  all  the 
crowned  heads  of  Europe,  who  hate  us.  But  I  think 
their  plans  will  be  either  abandoned  or  unsuccessful. 
I  am  rather  more  concerned  at  a  division  that  rages 
in  the  popular  party.  The  club  of  the  Jacobins,  and 
that  of  '89,*  as  it  is  called,  have  divided  the  friends 
of  liberty,  who  accuse  each  other,  the  Jacobins  being 
taxed  with  a  disorderly  extravagance,  and  '89  with  a 
tincture  of  ministerialism  and  ambition.  I  am  endea 
voring  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation." 

The  King  and  Queen,  unable  to  see  that  Lafayette 
was  their  friend,  were  careful  to  annoy  him,  while  the 
loyalists,  who  hated  him,  malignantly  joined  in  the 
assault  upon  his  character.  Disturbances  were  fomen 
ted  by  the  court,  with  the  design  of  throwing  Paris 
into  confusion,  with  the  hope  that,  in  the  attempt  to 
quell  them,  he  might  be  overcome  or  assassinated. 
Failing  in  this,  efforts  were  made  upon  a  grander 
scale.  It  was  determined  that  the  royal  family  should 
elude  the  vigilance  of  their  keeper,  and  flee  from 


*  This  club  was  afterwards  called  the  Feuillans.  It  was  instituted 
by  Lafayette,  and  others,  in  the  year  1789,  for  the  purpose  of  coun 
teracting  the  influence  of  the  Jacobins. 


280  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Paris.  This  the  King  had  long  desired,  for  the  fear 
ful  shadow  of  his  doom,  if  he  continued  in  the  capital, 
was  settling  darkly  upon  his  mind.  A  presentiment 
that  he  was  destined  to  share  the  fate  of  Charles  I.  of 
England,  strengthened  hourly,  and  he  had  not  the 
heart  to  meet  it.  A  flight  would  ensure  his  own 
safety,  and  place  him  in  a  more  advantageous  position 
to  treat  with  his  refractory  subjects.  As  the  people 
placed  great  reliance  upon  his  safe-keeping  among 
them,  his  flight  would  attach  odium  to  the  Marquis,  a 
result  very  desirable  to  his  foes.  Louis  had  fully  re 
solved  to  break  away  from  the  oaths  with  which  he 
bound  himself,  and  to  flee  from  the  capital  as  soon  as 
opportunity  should  be  presented.  On  the  21st  June, 
1791,  a  plan,  which  had  long  been  maturing,  went  into 
execution.  In  various  disguises,  one  by  one,  the  royal 
family  left  the  palace  by  a  private  issue  which  com 
municated  with  the  Carousel,  crossed  the  Pont  Royal, 
and,  on  the  Quai  des  Theatins,  entered  the  carriages 
which  stood  awaiting  them,  and  were  driven  rapidly 
from  Paris. 

This  was  at  midnight,  but  not  till  eight  o'clock  the 
next  morning  was  it  known  in  the  city,  and  then  the 
news  flew  over  it  with  the  rapidity  of  the  wind.  La 
fayette  was  for  a  moment  staggered  at  the  tidings,  but 
his  calmness  returned  when  he  heard  his  own  name 
shouted  with  execrations  by  the  mob,  assembling  in 
lawless  haste.  Immediately  dispatching  an  order  for 
the  pursuit  of  the  fugitives,  whom  he  supposed  had 
been  carried  off  by  enemies  of  the  public  good,  he 
repaired  to  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  and  faced  the  throngs 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  281 

clamoring  for  vengeance  upon  his  head,  for  having 
permitted  the  escape  of  the  King.  It  was  a  moment 
that  tried  him  to  the  center  of  feeling.  The  utter 
recklessness  of  a  Parisian  mob,  none  knew  better  than 
he  ;  and  there  was  nothing  to  assure  him  that  the 
same  fury  which  had  proved  fatal  to  others,  might  not 
be  executed  upon  himself.  "  Down  with  Lafayette," 
— "Away  with  the  traitor,"  were  exclamations  which 
met  him  as  he  approached,  but  his  step  faltered  not, 
and  his  eye  glanced  over  the  vast  multitude,  as  though 
he  could  sway  it  at  will.  The  mob  were  awed  to 
silence  by  his  presence,  more  commanding  than  the 
eloquence  of  his  lips,  and  he  stood  before  them  with 
his  arms  quietly  folded,  in  the  consciousness  which  the 
populace  might  discern,  and  read  the  evidence  that 
he  had  not  betrayed  the  people's  trust.  When  he 
opened  his  lips,  it  was  to  make  neither  defense  nor 
apology.  Turning  their  attention  to  themselves,  and 
the  privileges  for  which  they  had  struggled,  he  said, 
— u  If  you  call  this  event  a  misfortune,  what  name 
would  you  give  to  a  counter  revolution  which  would 
deprive  you  of  your  liberty  1"  This  simple  expression 
accomplished  vastly  more  than  a  formal  explanation 
could  have  done.  The  crowd  turned  the  tide  of 
action,  though  in  a  very  different  direction  from  that 
Lafayette  had  intended.  First  one,  then  another,  and 
then  the  multitude,  as  with  the  voice  of  one  man, 
sent  up  the  deafening  shout,  "  Let  us  make  Lafayette 
our  King."  Here  was  a  new  danger,  though  just 
the  exclamation  he  would  have  rejoiced  to  hear  had 
he  been  governed  by  the  principles  attributed  to  him 


282  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

by  his  enemies.  His  real  patriotism  and  disinterested 
ness  are  fully  seen  in  his  answer, — "  I  thought  that 
you  professed  a  better  opinion  of  me.  What  have  I 
done  that  you  do  not  believe  me  fit  for  something  bet 
ter  V  It  was  enough.  Shouts  of  "  Long  live  the 
General"  filled  the  air  and  tranquillity  was  again  re 
stored. 

In  the  National  Assembly,  the  flight  of  Louis  was 
discussed,  and  a  few  charged  Lafayette  with  conniving 
at  it.  The  suspicion  was  however  indignantly  re 
pelled,  and  many  of  the  political  enemies  of  Lafayette 
denounced  even  the  insinuation.  When  it  was  under 
stood  that  he  was  surrounded  by  a  threatening  multi 
tude,  at  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  they  sent  a  deputation  from 
their  own  number,  inviting  him  to  proceed  to  their 
chamber,  offering  him  an  escort  to  protect  him  from 
the  violence  of  the  people.  "  I  will  order  an  escort 
for  you,"  said  Lafayette,  "  as  a  mark  of  respect ;  but, 
for  myself,  I  shall  return  alone.  I  have  never  been 
in  more  perfect  safety  than  at  this  moment,  though 
the  streets  are  filled  with  the  people." 

The  prompt  means  taken  for  the  arrest  of  the  royal 
family  were  successful,  and  the  unhappy  fugitives, 
overwhelrnned  with  mortification,  were  brought  back 
to  Paris.  They  were  received  without  open  insult, 
but  with  none  of  the  honors  which  usually  attend  the 
reception  of  royalty.  A  decree  had  been  passed  by 
the  Assembly  suspending  Louis  from  his  kingly  func 
tions,  and  placing  a  guard  over  his  person,  together 
with  that  of  the  Queen  and  the  Dauphin.  This  left 
France  virtually  without  a  monarch,  for  no  provision 


MARQUIS  I>E  LAFAYETTE.  283 

was  made  for  a  successor.  Lafayette,  therefore,  as 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Guards,  was,  in  fact,  chief 
ruler  of  France.  To  none  could  the  interests  of  the 
realm  at  this  critical  period,  have  been  better  entrus 
ted.  With  fidelity  he  discharged  his  various  duties. 
He  was  at  the  same  time  the  friend  of  the  King,  and 
the  servant  of  the  state,  and  successfully  managed  to 
harmonize  both  of  these  seemingly  conflicting  positions, 
to  the  satisfaction  of  each  of  the  parties  concerned. 
Louis  was  his  captive,  but  was  made  to  feel  restraint 
but  lightly,  while  the  people  saw  that  every  possible 
security  was  taken,  to  keep  the  noble  prisoner  safely. 
The  confidence  reposed  in  Lafayette  at  this  period,  he 
might  have  made  subservient  to  his  own  self-aggran 
dizement,  had  he  been  a  traitor,  when  the  permanent 
supreme  power  was  within  his  grasp.  The  fact  that 
scrutiny  can  detect  no  aiming  at  undue  authority, 
proves  the  purity  of  his  character.  How  different  his 
conduct  from  that  of  Bonaparte  ! 

Mighty  influences  were  now  at  work  in  the  King 
dom.  The  Jacobin  clubs  which  had  spread  over 
France,  and  numbered  nearly  400,000  members,  were 
taking  the  first  steps  towards  the  supremacy  they 
afterwards  gained.  They  were  the  uncompromising 
enemies  of  monarchy  in  any  form,  and  advocated 
sternly  a  republic,  regardless  of  consequences.  To 
these  was  opposed  the  whole  strength  of  the  moderate 
revolutionists,  who  still  held  a  majority  in  the  As 
sembly.  The  Jacobins  contended  that  Louis,  by  his 
flight,  had  voluntarily  abdicated  the  throne,  and  that 
the -people  should  elect  a  ruler  in  his  stead.  For  such 


284  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

a  step,  neither  the  representatives  nor  patriots  abroad 
were  prepared,  and  consequently  the  restoration  of 
Louis  was  designed.  He  assured  the  Assembly  that 
he  had  no  intention  of  fleeing  from  his  kingdom ;  that 
he  only  wished  to  ascertain  the  sentiments  of  the 
people  in  reference  to  the  constitution,  and  since  he 
was  satisfied  that  this  was  approved  by  his  subjects, 
was  himself  ready  to  support  it.  The  Assembly, 
therefore,  removed  the  ban  which  they  had  laid  upon 
him,  declaring  that  Louis  XVI  was  not  culpable  for 
his  recent  journey,  and  could  not  be  brought  to  trial 
on  account  of  it. 

This  decree  raised  a  perfect  storm  of  opposition. 
It  was  both  decried  in  the  legislative  Hall  and  con 
demned  on  the  public  platform.  Robespierre  and 
Petion  raised  their  voices  loudly  against  it,  and  when 
it  was  ultimately  passed,  they  declared  their  intention 
of  appealing  from  the  sovereignty  of  the  Assembly 
to  that  of  the  people.  The  Jacobins  seconded  their 
opposition,  and  excited  the  populace  to  resistance. 
It  needed  but  a  spark  to  inflame  the  combustible  ma 
terials  ;  and  this  was  like  a  fire-brand  thrown  into  the 
magazine.  Resentment  sprung  up  every  where,  and 
the  day  after  the  bill  passed,  a  great  concourse  gath 
ered  in  the  Champ  de  Mars  to  raise  their  solemn 
protest.  Sedition  was  rife,  but  in  the  midst  of  an 
archy,  the  man  of  the  people,  THE  PATRIOT  of  the 
nation,  suddenly  appeared  before  them.  Instead  of 
obeying  his  orders  to  disperse,  they  turned  to  assail 
him  for  interfering  with  their  proceedings.  In  the 
midst  of  the  angry  tide  he  proclaimed  the  principles 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  285 

of  constitutional  liberty,  and  recounted  the  oath  they 
had  taken  there,  hardly  a  year  before  ;  but  in  vain. 
Another  spirit  was  in  the  ascendant,  and  the  words 
fell  powerless  from  his  lips.  Threats  were  muttered, 
and  a  musket  was  fired  at  his  person.  Though  near 
the  muzzle  he  escaped  unharmed.  The  author  of  the 
attempt  was  arrested  by  the  Guards  and  released  by 
their  commander,  who  was  there  to  preserve  life  and 
quiet,  at  whatever  hazard  to  himself.  He  was  intent 
upon  quelling  the  insurrection,  and  would  not  leave  the 
place  till  he  had  done  it.  His  plans  were  made  and 
executed  with  firmness  which  at  length  drove  the 
rioters  from  the  field,  though  not  till  after  blood  had 
been  shed,  which  was  subsequently  remembered 
against  him. 

This  outbreak  and  other  minor  circumstances  con 
vinced  the  Assembly  of  the  necessity  of  establishing 
the  governent  upon  a  stronger  basis,  and  they  hastened 
to  a  final  revision  of  the  constitution.  This  important 
instrument  had  been  framed  with  great  care,  and 
though  many  of  its  provisions  had  been  subjected  to 
stormy  debates,  it  was  still  adapted  to  heal  the  dis 
sensions  which  tossed  the  nation.  It  was,  therefore, 
soon  completed,  and  submitted  to  Louis  for  his  ac 
ceptance.  "  From  that  moment,"  says  Thiers,  "  his 
freedom  was  restored  to  him  ;  or,  if  that  expression 
be  objected  to,  the  strict  watch  kept  over  the  palace 
ceased,  and  he  had  liberty  to  retire  whithersoever  he 
pleased,  to  examine  the  constitutional  act  and  to 
accept  it  freely.  What  was  Louis  XVI  to  do  in  this 
easel  To  reject  the  constitution  would  have  been  to 


286  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

abdicate  in  favor  of  a  republic.  The  safest  way,  even 
according  to  his  own  system,  was  to  accept  it,  and  to 
expect,  from  time  to  time,  those  restitutions  of  power 
which  he  considered  as  due  to  him.  Accordingly, 
after  a  certain  number  of  days,  he  declared  that  he 
accepted  the  constitution.  An  extraordinary  joy 
burst  forth  at  this  intelligence,  as  if,  in  fact,  some 
obstacle  had  been  anticipated  on  the  part  of  the  King, 
and  his  assent  had  been  an  unhoped  for  concession. 
He  repaired  to  the  Assembly,  where  he  was  received 
as  in  the  most  brilliant  times.  Lafayette,  who  never 
forgot  to  repair  the  inevitable  evils  of  political  troubles, 
proposed  a  general  amnesty  for  all  acts  connected 
with  the  Revolution,  which  was  proclaimed,  amid 
shouts  of  joy,  and  the  prison  doors  were  instantly 
thrown  open.  At  length,  on  the  30th  of  September, 
Thouret,  the  last  president,  declared  that  the  Con 
stituent  Assembly  had  terminated  its  sittings."* 

A  few  days  afterwards,  Lafayette,  considering  the 
purposes  of  his  appointment  fulfilled,  and  deeply  desi 
ring  to  retire  into  private  life,  resigned  his  office  as 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  National  Guards.  His 
letter,  stating  his  intentions,  was  kind  and  elevated. 
"  To  serve  you  until  this  day,  gentlemen,"  said  he, 
uwas  a  duty  imposed  upon  me  by  the  sentiments 
which  have  animated  my  whole  life.  To  resign  now, 
without  reserve,  to  my  country,  all  the  power  and 


*  This  Assembly  had  been  in  existence  three  years,  and  had  enacted 
1309  laws  arid  decrees  relative  to  legislation  or  to  the  general  admin 
istration  of  the  state. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  287 

influence  she  gave  me  for  the  purpose  of  defending 
her  during  recent  convulsions, — this  is  a  duty  I  owe 
to  my  well  known  resolutions,  and  it  amply  satisfies 
the  only  species  of  ambition  I  possess." 

This  was  received  with  unfeigned  regret.  La 
fayette  was  more  than  their  leader,  he  was  their  idol. 
They  gathered  around  him  and  desired  him  to  continue 
at  their  head.  When  this  was  denied,  they  forged  a 
sword  from  the  bolts  of  the  Bastile,  and  presented  it, 
expressive  both  of  their  love  and  his  worth  in  the  cru 
sade  upon  oppression.  The  municipality  of  Paris 
voted  him  a  medal,  emblematic  of  his  saving  the  city 
so  often  from  riot  and  bloodshed,  causing  a  complimen 
tary  inscription  to  be  placed  on  the  bust  of  Lafayette, 
which  had  been  presented  to  Paris  twelve  years  be 
fore,  by  Virginia.  Tokens  of  favor,  no  less  pleasing, 
were  showered  upon  him  by  individuals.  Amid  the 
honors  of  a  grateful  nation,  he  retired  to  his  home,  and 
was  surrounded  once  more,  with  the  joys  of  his  quiet 
family  circle.  Ambition  was  satisfied,  and  he  hoped 
that  retirement  would  no  more  be  disturbed  by  the  tu 
mults  of  political  strife.  When  he  learned  that  Bailly 
had  resigned  his  office,  and  that  he  was  placed  as  a 
candidate  for  the  vacant  mayorality  of  Paris,  it  gave 
him  little  satisfaction  ;  the  news  that  he  was  defeated 
through  the  influence  of  the  court,  gave  him  less 
regret.  The  fact  that  Louis  should  exert  himself  so 
strenuously  to  promote  the  overthrow  of  his  best 
friend  is  a  singular  proof  of  weakness  and  infatuation. 
Petion,  whom  the  money  of  the  King  alone  raised  to 
the  mayorship,  was  a  decided  Jacobin ;  and  the  throne 


288  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

which  Lafayette  would  have  sacrificed  his  life  to  sus 
tain,  he  would  have  overthrown  in  a  moment.  By 
giving  him  office,  Louis  hastened  his  own  execution. 
The  election  of  Petion  placed  the  Jacobins  in  power, 
and  their  iron  rule  was  soon  felt.  The  Revolution 
would  have  stopped  when  the  King  signed  the  consti 
tution,  but  for  this ;  it  was  now  destined  to  roll  on  till 
he  was  crushed  beneath  it.  Bitterly  did  Louis  XVI. 
afterwards  rue  the  act  when  it  was  all  too  late  to 
apply  a  remedy;  and  never  yet  did  a  King  meet  a  fate 
more  certainly  brought  upon  him  by  his  own  suicidal 
weakness.  Lafayette  could  not  long  indulge  in  the 
seclusion  which  he  had  chosen.  France  could  not  do 
without  him,  and  an  opportunity  was  soon  presented 
again  to  engage  actively  in  her  service.  The  Revolu 
tion  had  driven  many  of  the  nobility  from  the  kingdom, 
who,  taking  refuge  with  different  foreign  powers,  en 
deavored  to  foment  war  against  France.  European 
politics  were  just  then  in  a  state  which  admitted  of 
excitement,  and  these  refugees  soon  kindled  a  blaze. 
The  despots  of  many  of  the  continental  sovereignties 
caught  the  idea  of  stopping  the  Revolution  by  the 
sword,  and  they  engaged  in  the  struggle.  The  start 
ling  rumor  reached  Paris,  that  a  large  army  was  pre 
paring  for  invasion;  the  difficulties  of  faction,  in  the 
city,  were  forgotten  in  view  of  the  new  and  alarming 
calamity  which  threatened  the  country.  The  King 
united  himself  with  the  Legislative  body  in  devising 
the  mode  of  resistance.  In  December,  1791,  the  plans 
for  defense  were  matured.  Three  armies  of  fifty 
thousand  men  each,  were  to  meet  on  the  Rhine,  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  289 

Lafayette,  associated  with  Generals  Luckner  and  Ro- 
chambeau,  was  appointed  to  command  them.  In  proud 
array  the  armies  commanding  the  whole  frontier  from 
Switzerland  to  Dunkirk,  assured  the  invaders,  that 
France,  though  distracted  by  Revolution,  was  yet  a 
dreaded  foe.  The  central  army  was  assigned  to  La 
fayette,  who,  fixing  his  head  quarters  at  Metz,  posted 
his  defense,  so  as  to  command  the  whole  line  from  the 
Meuse  to  the  Moselle.  The  feelings  with  which  he 
found  himself  again  in  military  life  are  exhibited  in 
the  following  extracts  from  a  letter  which  he  wrote  to 
General  Washington,  from  his  rendezvous,  at  Metz, 
dated  January  22d,  1792: 

"  This  is  a  very  different  date  from  that  which  had 
announced  to  you  my  return  to  the  sweets  of  private 
life;  —  a  situation  hitherto  not  very  familiar  to  me,  but 
which,  after  fifteen  revolutionary  years,  I  had  become 
quite  fit  to  enjoy.  I  have  given  you  an  account  of  the 
quiet  and  rural  mode  of  living  I  had  adopted  in  the 
mountains  where  I  was  born,  having  there  a  good 
house  and  a  late  manor,*  now  unlorded  into  a  large 
farm,  with  an  English  overseer  for  my  instruction.  I 
felt  myself  very  happy  among  my  neighbors,  no  more 
vassals  to  me  nor  any  body,  and  had  given  to  my  wife 
and  rising  family,  the  only  quiet  weeks  they  had 
enjoyed  for  a  long  time,  when  the  threats  and  mad 
preparations  of  the  refugees,  and,  still  more,  the  coun- 


*  Here  is  an  evidence  that  Lafayette  carried  out  his  professions, 
even  when  they  interfered  as  in  the  present  instance,  with  his  indi 
vidual  rights. 


290  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

tenance  they  had  obtained  in  the  dominions  of  our 
neighbors,  induced  the  National  Assembly  and  the 
King,  to  adopt  a  more  rigorous  system  than  had 
hitherto  been  the  case. 

"  I  had  refused  every  public  employment,  that  had 
been  offered  by  the  people,  and,  still  more,  had  I  denied 
my  consent  to  my  being  appointed  to  any  military 
command  ;  but  when  I  saw  our  liberties  and  constitu 
tion  were  seriously  threatened,  and  my  services  could 
be  usefully  employed  in  fighting  for  our  old  cause,  I 
could  no  longer  resist  the  wishes  of  my  countrymen ; 
and  as  soon  as  the  King's  express  reached  my  farm,  I 
set  out  for  Paris ;  from  thence  to  this  place  ;  and  I  do 
not  think  it  uninteresting  to  you,  my  dear  General,  to 
add,  that  I  was  every  where  on  the  road  affectionately 
welcomed/" 

War  was  formally  declared  against  Austria  on  the 
20th  x)f  April,  and  offensive  preparations  commenced. 
The  Netherlands  were  then  under  the  dominion  of 
Austria.  The  French  Revolution  had  kindled  a  kin 
dred  spirit  among  them,  and  it  was  supposed  the 
whole  nation  would  joyfully  welcome  a  French  army 
which  should  offer  means  of  deliverance  from  their 
old  masters.  A  plan  of  action  was  matured  by  the 
Ministry,  and,  despite  the  cry  of  faction  in  Paris,  it 
was  sent  to  the  Generals  of  the  forces  for  en 
forcement.  A  part  of  this  design  was,  that  all  the 
troops  should  be  in  motion  about  the  same  time,  and 
form,  if  possible,  a  general  rendezvous  in  the  center 
of  the  Austrian  Netherlands.  The  chief  movement 
was  entrusted  to  Lafayette,  who,  on  the  24th  of  April, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  291 

was  ordered  to  collect  his  regiments  and  proceed  to 
Givet,  a  distance  of  more  than  sixty  leagues,  by  the 
1st  of  May.  This  surprising  requisition  could  only 
have  been  executed  by  the  wonderful  celerity  with 
which  Lafayette  was  accustomed  to  move  his  armies. 
Though  his  enemies  hoped  that  he  would  not  be  able 
to  accomplish  it,  when  the  day  came  he  was  at  the 
post  assigned,  awaiting  his  further  commands.  The 
whole  expedition  was,  however,  destined  to  an  in 
glorious  close.  While  Lafayette  was  on  his  wray  to 
Givet,  his  enemies,  who  hated  him  more  intensely 
than  they  loved  the  state,  were  plotting  his  ruin.  A 
plan  was  laid  upon  a  grand  scale  to  draw  off,  by  the 
blackest  treachery,  the  extra  divisions  ordered  to  his 
aid,  and  so,  by  leaving  him  unsupported,  force  him  to 
withdraw  ingloriously  from  the  field.  They  knew 
that  he  would  not  remain  in  the  face  of  all  Europe, 
with  his  handful  of  fifty  thousand  men  ;  and  that  a 
retreat  would  be  a  bitter  necessity  to  him.  Their 
purpose  was  successful.  At  Givet,  Lafayette  learned 
with  dismay  that  the  two  divisions  which  had  been 
detached  from  Rochambeau's  army  had  suddenly  dis 
banded  and  fled  in  confusion,  before  seeing  the  enemy. 
His  first  design  was  to  entrench  himself  in  his  present 
position  and  wait  for  further  supplies  ;  but  a  moment's 
consideration  convinced  him  not  only  that  it  was 
impracticable,  but  enabled  him  to  read  clearly  the 
causes  which  had  led  to  the  defection.  No  man  could 
have  acted  more  wisely  than  he  at  this  juncture. 
Surrounded  by  secret  and  open  foes  ;  not  knowing 
how  far  their  machinations  might  have  extended 


292  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

among  his  own  men  ;  convinced  that  it  would  be 
madness  to  attempt  to  carry  on  the  war  alone,  he 
yielded  to  the  mandate  of  fate,  and  fell  back  with 
his  men  to  his  former  post,  making  arrangements  to 
act  with  efficiency  at  a  moment's  warning. 

The  news  from  Paris,  soon  convinced  him  that  the 
conflict  would  not  be  carried  on.  Faction  was  again 
reigning  in  the  city,  and  no  party  had  sufficient  power 
to  control  the  machinery  of  war.  With  dismal  fore 
bodings,  Lafayette  turned  his  anxious  eyes  towards 
the  capital,  and  read  a  premonition  of  fearful  days  in 
the  portentous  shadows  which  were  slowly,  but  stea 
dily,  deepening  over  Paris  and  the  entire  kingdom. 
He  saw  Louis,  too  suspicious  to  abandon  himself  to  any 
one  of  the  parties,  and  too  feeble  to  master  them  all, 
successively  made  the  object,  the  tool  and  the  victim 
of  each.  The  Girondists,  the  Jacobins,  and  the  Feuil- 
lans,  were  all  striving  for  mastery  ;  and  though  the 
latter  yielded  tacitly  to  the  King,  it  was  only  from 
fear,  without  confidence,  while  both  of  the  former 
were  undisguised  in  their  opposition.  They  were 
equally  at  enmity  with  each  other,  and  this  spirit  was 
unceasingly  fanned  by  foreign  agents  ever  anxious  to 
spread  disorder  and  ruin.  Lafayette  beheld  the  vial 
of  political  wrath  fast  filling,  and  knew  it  would 
shortly  be  poured  upon  the  monarch's  devoted  head. 
Would  that  he  had  trusted  me  was  his  fervent  excla 
mation,  as  courier  following  courier  brought  news 
that  the  plot  was  thickening  around  the  person  of  him 
whom  he  had  sworn,  and  was  willing,  to  defend.  He 
determined  upon  a  dernier  struggle  to  save  the  King. 


' 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  293 

From  his  camp  at  Maubeage,  on  the  16th  June,  1792, 
he  wrote  his  famous  letter  to  the  convention,  in  which 
he  set  forth  plainly  the  condition  to  which  the  nation 
was  reduced.  In  no  measured  terms  he  told  them 
that  the  sword  of  Austria  or  of  Europe,  could  not  give 
so  dangerous  a  blow  to  France  as  the  jealousies  and 

•;  sharp  contentions  among  her  own  citizens.  He  spoke 
of  the  Jacobins  as  enemies  of  the  realm,  and  with  far 
sighted  sagacity  predicted  the  results  which  would 
inevitably  occur,  if  not  speedily  overthrown.  "Can 
you  dissemble  even  to  yourselves,"  said  he,  "that  a 
faction  —  and  to  avoid  all  vague  demonstrations — the 
Jacobin  faction,  have  caused  all  these  disorders  1  It  is 
that  society  which  I  boldly  denounce  ;  organized  in  its 
affiliated  societies  like  a  separate  empire  in  the  metro 
polis,  and  blindly  governed  by  some  ambitious  leaders, 
this  society  forms  a  totally  distinct  corporation  in  the 
midst  of  the  French  nation,  whose  powers  it  usurps, 
by  tyrannizing  over  its  representatives  and  constituted 
authorities."  He  thus  alluded  to  the  King: — "Let 
the  royal  authority  be  untouched,  for  it  is  guaranteed 
by  the  constitution  ; — let  it  be  independent,  for  its  in 
dependence  is  one  of  the  springs  of  our  liberty  ; — let 
the  King  be  revered,  for  he  is  invested  with  the  ma 
jesty  of  the  nation  ; — let  him  choose  a  ministry  which 
wears  the  chain  of  no  faction; — and  if  traitors  exist, 

v  let  them  perish  under  the  sword  of  the  law." 

No  other  man  in  France  could  have  written  such  a 
letter,  and  none  other  known,  would  have  dared  to  do 
it,  if  he  could.  An  excitement,  unequalled  even  in 
that  time,  succeeded  its  reception.  The  Jacobins  had 


294  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

heretofore  recoiled  from  a  direct  contest  with  La 
fayette,  but  there  was  no  longer  retreat  for  them,  or 
an  alternative,  save  resistance.  They  met  on  the  18th 
of  June,  and  though  they  knew  with  whom  they  had 
to  deal,  they  entered  upon  the  struggle  for  life  or 
death.  With  one  voice  they  took  a  solemn  oath  to 
destroy  him,  and  they  had  never  yet  sworn  in  vain. 
They  proposed  that  he  should  be  sent  to  Orleans  as  a 
traitor; — that  a  price  should  be  set  upon  his  head, 
and  that  an  edict  should  be  issued,  allowing  any 
body  who  pleased,  to  murder  him.  Not  content  with 
open  condemnation,  their  sleepless  espionage  was  em 
ployed  to  influence  the  public  mind.  Their  savage 
anathemas  were  not  without  effect.  The  Parisian 
mob,  a  faithless  rabble,  forgot  his  devotion  to  their 
safety,  and  turned  their  wrath  upon  him.  With  great 
adroitness  the  Jacobin  leaders  showed  the  people  the 
expressions  in  his  letter  unfavorable  to  Louis,  and 
made  them  believe  that  Louis  and  Lafayette  were 
leagued  against  them.  On  the  20th  of  June,  they 
rose  in  insurrection.  Twenty  thousand  men  of  the 
lowest  rank,  armed  with  pikes  and  lances,  paraded  the 
streets  of  Paris,  ready  for  slaughter.  The  Jacobins 
were  among  them  to  exasperate  them  to  demoniac 
madness.  Suddenly  a  shout  arose,  swelling  to  a  deaf 
ening  cry,  and  rolling  in  fearful  reverberations  over 
the  city—  "  To  the  Tuilleries  !"  "  To  the  Tuilleries  I" 
"DowN  WITH  THE  KING  !*'  The  resistless  wave  rolled 
onward,  sweeping  every  barrier  opposing  its  progress. 
The  guards  of  the  palace  fell  back  or  were  trampled, 
after  an  unavailing  defense,  beneath  their  feet.  The 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  295 

calls  of  vengeance  ; —  the  yells  of  execration  ; —  the 
curses  loud  and  vehement,  came  to  Louis,  sitting  in 
his  chamber,  with  knell-like  terror.  Even  then  he  felt 
as  never  before,  that  he  was  a  man, —  and  determined 
to  prove  himself  "  every  inch  a  King."  He  caught 
the  spirit  of  the  long  line  of  monarchs  whom  he  had 
succeeded,  and,  as  the  throng  burst  into  his  apartment, 
he  met  them  with  a  dignity  which  made  the  leaders 
pause  and  recede.  An  outcry  soon  followed,  but  he 
was  no  longer  to  be  intimidated  by  threats.  If  he 
could  not  save  himself  like  a  hero,  he  would  at  least 
die  as  became  a  Sovereign.  His  dignified  demeanor 
awed  the  crowd,  and  his  assurances  that  he  was  the 
friend  of  the  people,  hushed  the  tumult.  The  Assem 
bly  sent  a  deputation  to  his  relief,  who,  crowding 
around  him,  rebuked  the  populace  for  the  indignity 
offered  to  his  majesty.  Vergniaud  and  others,  ha 
rangued  the  crowd,  and  persuaded  them  to  retire, 
leaving  the  King  again  free  from  the  dread  of  imme 
diate  violence,  but  with  a  rayless  future  before  him. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  Lafayette  appeared  in  Paris. 
It  was  a  bold  step,  but  had  been  determined  upon, 
when  he  learned  the  impression  which  his  letter  had 
made.  The  Assembly  had  charged  him  with  a  Crom- 
wellian  attempt  at  dictation,  and  he  was  there  answer 
ing  the  slander  by  his  silent  attendance.  He  left  his 
army,  and  came  alone,  a  citizen  to  plead  his  own 
cause;  asserting  his  innocence  and  asking  punishment 
for  the  authors  of  the  late  outrages  in  the  capital.  He 
knew  the  power  of  the  Jacobins,  but  did  not  hesitate, 
in  their  very  citadel,  to -charge  their  crimes  home,  and- 


296  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

demand  the  suppression  of  their  clubs.  He  closed  his 
speech  in  words  well  befitting  him  ; — "  Such  are  the 
representations  submitted  to  the  Assembly  by  a  citizen, 
whose  love  for  liberty,  at  least,  will  not  be  disputed." 

His  address  was  received  with  applause,  but  it  was 
powerless  in  accomplishing  the  great  object  for  which 
it  was  made.  The  Jacobin  leaders,  though  awed, 
were  not  so  easily  crushed.  In  public  and  in  private, 
—  in  the  Assembly, —  the  streets,  and  in  their  clubs, 
he  was  decried  as  the  enemy  of  liberty,  and  the  be 
trayer  of  confidence  he  received  from  the  people.  He 
was  charged  with  neglect  of  the  public  good,  in  lea 
ving  the  camp  at  that  period ; — the  journals  repre 
sented  his  conduct  as  high  treason  ; —  he  was  called  a 
liberticide,  and  a  second  Cromwell,  with  this  differ 
ence,  that  he  acted  in  concert  with  the  King  against 
the  rights  of  the  masses  ; — his  effigy  was  burnt  at  the 
Palais  Royal; — and  he  was  accused  of  having  pro 
posed  to  march  with  his  force  to  Paris.  The  direct 
charges  he  was  able  to  meet  and  refute,  but  he  could 
not  remove  the  taint  which  the  Jacobins  were  success 
ful  in  indirectly  casting  upon  him.  It  was  not  enough 
that  he  pointed  to  his  past  acts,  and  asking  his  enemies 
to  specify  his  crimes,  and  prove  them, —  the  Jacobins 
were  fast  becoming  omnipotent  in  the  state,  and  the 
fickle  host  which  had  lavished  upon  him  the  wealth 
of  their  adulation,  were  ready  to  pay  homage  at  a 
rival  shrine.  Before  two  days  had  elapsed,  Lafayette 
perceived  the  posture  of  things,  and  that  it  was  use 
less  to  remain  longer  in  the  city.  He  waited  upon 
Louis,  and  received  his  thanks,  and  on  the  30th  of 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE,  297 

June,  returned  to  his  command.  His  mission  had  been 
a  complete  failure,  and  worse.  He  had  not  only  been 
forced,  but  the  enemies  of  himself  and  the  kingdom 
had  positively  triumphed.  For  the  first  time  in  his 
,  /life  he  was  defeated,  after  having  staked  every  thing 
on  the  issue.  Though  overcome  in  the  contest,  he 
was  sustained  by  the  consciousness  that  he  had  done 
all  that  man  could  do  to  relume  the  beacons  of  free 
dom  which  were  fast  expiring  in  the  land. 

But  a  new  trial  awaited  him  when  he  reached  the 
army.  His  foes  had  been  scattering  the  seeds  of  dis 
cord  there,  and  he  was  already  deserted  by  comrades 
in  whom  he  had  reposed  uninterrupted  confidence. 
He  found  that  in  his  own  camp  he  was  no  longer  safe. 
Midnight  hung  upon  his  horison,  and  his  career  ap 
peared  to  be  near  its  goal.  He  remained  at  the  head 
of  the  army,  because  he  felt  that  he  could  not,  at  this 
juncture,  abandon  it,  and  watched  with  intensest  in 
terest  the  rapid  developments  of  f&eling  in  Paris. 

THE  REIGN  OF  TERROR,  like  a  blind  Polyphemus, 
was  striding  forward  to  erect  the  guileotine  and  de 
cimate  a  kingdom  ;  the  heart  of  the  patriot  sunk 
within  him,  as  he  caught  the  monstrous  outline,  and 
read  the  dark  mission  of  the  lawless  destroyer.  On  it 
came  ;  it  could  not  be  stayed,  but  Lafayette  resolved 
upon  another  struggle  for  his  country's  salvation.  He 
believed  that,  the  only  probable  attempt  would  be 
that  of  extricating  the  King  from  the  crafty  plots 
which  pointed  to  his  overthrow.  A  plan  was  matured 
by  Lafayette  for  removing  Louis  from  the  capital  and 
placing  him  in  a  position  where  he  could  command, 


298  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

rather  than  sue  for,  obedience.  The  14th  of  July,  the 
anniversary  of  the  Federation,  was  approaching,  and 
the  plan  was,  that  he  should  summon  Generals  Luck- 
ner  and  Lafayette  to  the  city  to  participate  in  it,  and 
when  passed,  to  proceed  to  the  Assembly  in  open 
day,  and  announce  his  intention  of  spending  a  short 
time  at  Compeigne.  Lafayette  was  to  provide  a 
suitable  escort  for  him,  and  when  at  Compeigne  there 
were  to  be  associated  with  this  a  detachment  of 
militia  and  two  regiments  from  the  Marquis*  chasseurs. 
These  would  afford  him  a  sufficient  body  guard,  and 
he  could  then,  without  fear,  issue  his  proclamation, 
declaring  his  adherence  to  the  constitution,  and  that 
all  who  opposed  were  traitors  to  the  realm.  The 
plan  in  its  details  was  well  arranged,  and  doubtless 
would  have  succeeded  could  the  King  have  been 
prevailed  upon  to  accept  it.  His  true  friends  strongly 
urged  him  to  put  confidence  in  Lafayette,  but  the 
counter-revolutionists  succeeded,  and  the  proposal  was 
rejected.  Louis  was  a  shipwrecked  mariner,  and 
now  madly  pushed  away  the  last  plank  which  could 
save  him  ;  yet  he  saw  not  that  he  was  amid  the 
waves,  until  beyond  rescue. 

Lafayette,  finding  his  plans  a  failure,  waited  calmly 
the  fatal  result.  Reports  of  conspiracy  and  intrigues, 
of  misrule  and  the  collision  of  parties,  constantly 
reached  his  ears.  Violent  charges  were  made  against 
him  in  the  Assembly,  but,  prepared  for  the  worst, 
they  inflicted  no  pang.  His  name  was  associated 
with  treason,  and  made  the  by-word  of  faction.  Soon 
as  his  plan  for  the  deHvePanee-of  Louis  was  known 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  299 

in  Paris,  the  Jacobins  boldly  demanded  his  impeach 
ment.  A  tempest,  unknown  before  in  that  body, 
arose  when  this  proposition  was  offered.  The  warm 
friends  of  Lafayette  manfully  spurned  it,  while  his 
enemies  supported  it  with  slander  and  foulest  abuse. 
The  unstable  crowd  joined  in  the  cry.  But  so  flagrant 
injustice  could  not  triumph  yet.  The  last  righteous 
act  of  that  Assembly  was  done,  when,  on  the  8th  of 
August,  they  put  aside  the  motions,  and  declared  that 
Lafayette  was  still  worthy  of  the  confidence  of  the 
p«ople  of  France. 

Hardly  had  the  courier  borne  to  the  Marquis  this 
intelligence,  before  another  arrived,  bringing  the  ter 
rible  news  of  complete  revolution  in  Paris.  The  10th 
oT  August  had  arrived, —  the  birthday  of  the  Reign 
of  Terror.  Faction  had  triumphed.  The  Jacobins, 
successful  in  rousing  the  people,  an  insurrection,  wild 
and  uncontrolable,  rocked  the  metropolis.  The  royal 
palace  was  stormed ;  Louis  forced  to  flee  to  the  As 
sembly  for  protection  ;  the  masses,  thirsting  for  blood, 
had  begun  the  work  of  slaughter,  afterwards  carried 
on  to  its  terrible  consummation.  The  constitution  was 
trampled  under  foot,  and  openly  decried  ;  monarchy 
was  swept  away  like  a  floating  bubble,  and  the  King, 
himself  hurled  from  his  throne,  was  shut  up  in  prison 
to  await  a  mock  trial  and  ignominious  death. 

Lafayette  had,  in  anticipation  of  this,  moved  his 
army  to  Sedam,  only  two  days  march  from  Paris,  and 
now  formed  the  bold  design  of  striking  a  blow  for 
the  restoration  of  order  and  the  recovery  of  liberty. 

He  distributed  among  his  battalions  a  decisive  letter, 
20 


300  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

declaring  the  destruction  of  the  constitution  by  a 
banditti,  and.  the  deposition  of  the  King, — "Citizens," 
said  he,  "  you  are  no  longer  represented  ;  the  Na 
tional  Assembly  are  in  a  state  of  slavery ;  your 
armies  are  without  leaders  ;  Petion  reigns  ;  the  sav 
age  Danton  and  his  satellites  are  masters.  Thus, 
soldiers,  it  is  your  province  to  examine  whether  you 
will  restore  the  hereditary  representative  to  the 
throne,  or  submit  to  the  digrace  of  having  a  Petion 
for  your  King." 

For  a  brief  time  he  hoped  that  this  communication 
would  be  productive  of  good.  The  soldiery  announ 
ced  by  their  shouts  of  rage,  that  the  tide  of  indigna 
tion  was  deep.  The  General  had  already  disregarded 
the  orders  sent  to  him  by  the  Assembly,  and  had  put 
under  arrest,  the  three  commissioners  deputed  from 
that  body,  to  enforce  them.  The  first  expression  of 
his  men  was  approbation,  assuring  him  of  cordial  sup 
port.  Their  zeal  soon  subsided  into  apathy,  and  this 
gradually  changed  to  secret,  then  open,  defection.  No 
other  army  could  Lafayette  depend  upon,  and  even 
his  chosen  division  contained  enemies  who  were  ac 
tively  employed.  Soon  as  the  tidings  of  these  dis 
asters  were  received  by  the  representatives,  they  at 
once  passed  a  decree  depriving  him  of  his  command 
and  appointing  Dumourier,  an  officer  of  their  own 
interest,  in  his  stead.  Trial  came  upon  trial — but,  for 
a  time,  he  concealed  the  critical  posture  of  affairs. 
His  path  seemed  crossed  on  every  hand.  "  To  have 
marched  directly  to  Paris,  would  have  exposed  the 
King  and  his  family  to  certain  destruction ;  arid  in 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  301 

erecting  the  standard  of  revolt  in  the  provinces,  he 
would  have  been  opposed  by  the  other  armies,  and  a 
civil  war  must  inevitably  have  followed.  In  addition 
to  these  considerations,  France  was,  at  this  moment, 
pressed  on  all  sides  by  the  enemy,  and  the  idea  of  a 
capitulation  with  the  presumptuous  invaders  of  his 
country,  struck  him  with  horror.  He  was  resolved, 
therefore,  whatever  might  occur,  neither  to  leave  the 
frontiers  destitute  of  defense,  nor  to  lose  his  reputation 
by  means  of  a  disgraceful  compact.  But  the  oath 
that  he  had  taken  to  support  the  constitutional  King 
marked  out  a  line  of  conduct  from  which  he  could  not 
honorably  swerve.  He  formd  a  plan  to  rally  around 
him  the  neighboring  departments,  and  to  form,  with 
some  of  the  members  of  the  constituted  authorities,  a 
kind  of  congress,  to  which  he  expected  that  many 
opposition  members  of  the  legislative  body  would 
unite  themselves.  Supported  by  the  civil  power,  and 
seconded  by  the  armies  of  the  Moselle  and  the  Rhine, 
he  might  have  organized  a  powerful  opposition,  and 
reestablished  the  constitution.  But  every  circumstance 
necessary  to  the  success  of  his  project,  failed  toge 
ther  : — the  enemy,  on  the  threshhold  of  the  empire, 
concentrated  all  his  power; — the  versatile  conduct  of 
the  King  and  court,  destroyed  all  confidence,  and  ren 
dered  all  his  measures  ineffectual  ; — and  the  habits  of 
the  soldiery,  had  taught  them  to  know  no  other  power 
but  the  decrees  of  the  Assembly  ;  every  thing  con 
cerned  in  crushing  an  enterprise  which  the  rapidity  of 
events  had  not  afforded  him  time  to  mature,  whose 


302  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

success,  if  only  partial,  might  have  opened  the  gates 
of  the  frontiers  to  the  enemy,  and  which  it  was  impos 
sible  after  the  events  of  the  10th  of  August,  completely 
to  effect." 

But  the  chief  difficulty  preventing  the  successful 
execution  of  the  plan,  lay  in  the  state  of  his  own 
forces.  They  began  to  comprehend  his  situation, 
and  conflicting  feelings  were  rife  among  them.  But 
what  tended  most  especially  to  weaken  his  hold 
over  them,  was  the  following  order  passed  by  the 
Assembly: 

"NATIONAL  ASSEMBLY,  August  17,  1792. 
"  Decree  of  accusation  against  J\f.  de  Lafayette. 

"I. —  It  appears  to  this  Assembly,  that  there  is  just 
ground  for  accusation  against  M.  de  Lafayette,  here 
tofore  commander  of  the  army  of  the  north. 

"II. — The  executive  power  shall,  in  the  most  expe 
ditious  manner  possible,  carry  the  present  decree  into 
execution  ;  and  all  constituted  authorities,  all  citizens, 
and  all  soldiers,  are  hereby  enjoined,  by  every  means 
in  their,  to  secure  his  person. 

"III. — The  Assembly  forbids  the  army  of  the  north, 
any  longer  to  acknowledge  him  as  a  General,  or  to 
obey  his  orders ;  and  strictly  enjoins  that  no  person 
whatsoever,  shall  furnish  any  thing  to  the  troops,  or 
pay  any  money  for  their  use,  but  by  the  orders  of  M. 
Dumourier." 

This  decree  was  circulated  through  the  army,  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  303 

ux  the  power  of  Lafayette  over  it  was  gone.  The  sol 
diers  had  become  generally  infected  with  the  principles 
of  the  time,  and  the  emissaries  of  the  Jacobins,  sent 
thither,  had  no  difficulty  in  convincing  them,  that  dis 
obedience  to  his  command  was  duty,  and  to  recognize 
him  officially  longer,  was  to  violate  the  laws.  In  this 
condition  a  single  course  remained  to  him.  To  attempt 
again  to  plead  his  cause  before  the  bar  of  the  Assem 
bly,  would,  he  knew,  be  worse  than  useless.  To 
attempt  to  force  the  members  to  just  terms,  and  to 
reestablish  the  constitutional  monarchy,  by  the  might 
of  arms,  was  beyond  his  power.  To  remain  in  camp 
was  idle,  and  would  subject  him  to  needless  danger. 
There  was  no  alternative  but  flight,  and  this,  with  the 
greatest  reluctance,  he  determined  to  embrace.  Be 
fore,  however,  departing,  he  arranged  every  thing 
throughout  the  army,  to  prevent  sudden  surprise  from 
the  enemy,  anxious  even  in  that  moment,  for  the  wel 
fare  of  a  country  which  had  basely  discarded  him. 
The  preparations  for  his  departure  were  made  se- 

<.  -cretly,  as  is  stated,  to  avoid  increasing  the  number  of 

his  companions  in  exile.      He  would  not  draw  away 

a  soldier  or  officer  from  service,  though  it  were   to 

relieve  with  his  presence  the  bitterness  of  voluntary 

banishment.      Taking  with  him  two  or   three  trusty 

friends,  he  quietly  left  the  camp  on  the  morning  of 

the   20th  of   August,    before    the   dawn  of  day,   and 

turned  towards  the  Netherlands,  to  receive,  in  a  hos- 

)  tile  and  foreign  land,  the  safety  which  he  could  not 

/    find  at  home. 


304  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Unlike  Washington,  he  had  to  deal  with  unprin 
cipled  men  who,  repudiating  the  religion  of  the  Bible, 
raved  like  maniacs  around  the  altar  of  Reason.  La 
fayette  fled  from  their  orgies  and  their  wrath,  with 
the  natural  repulsion,  mingled  with  grief,  that  sent 
the  Hebrew  from  the  brutal  inhabitants  and  volcanic 
fires  of  the  cities  of  the  plain. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


COMPANIONS  OP  LAFAYETTE  IN  HIS  EXILE  — HE  is  STOPPED  AT  ROCHEFORT  - 
PASSPORTS  REFUSED — SHAMEFUL  TREATMENT  —  IMPRISONMENT  —  DELIVERED 
OVER  BY  PRUSSIA  TO  AUSTRIA— CONFINEMENT  AT  OLMUTZ— REFINEMENT  OF 
CRUELTY— SYMPATHY  FELT  FOR  HIM  — EFFORTS  FOR  HIS  RELEASE  —  CONDUCT 
OF  GOUVERNEUR  MORRIS  —  MADAME  DE  LAFAYETTE  —  BOLLMAN  AND  HUGER'S 
ATTEMPT— ESCAPE  —  Is  TAKEN  AND  AGAIN  THROWN  INTO  PRISON  —  INCREASED 
CRUELTIES  —  CONDUCT  OF  MADAME  DE  LAFAYETTE  —  WITH  HER  TWO 
DAUGHTERS  SHE  VISITS  HIM  IN  PRISON  —  HER  HEROISM  —  BONAPARTE  —  Fl- 
NAL  RELEASE  —  RECEPTION  IN  HAMBURG. 


The  companions  of  the  Marquis  were  the  two  bro 
thers,  Louis  and  Victor  Latour  Maubourg,  Bureau  de 
Puzy,  Alexandre  Lameth,  Auguste  Masson,  Rene 
Pillet,  and  Cardignan.  They  entered  the  Netherlands, 
from  France,  hoping  to  be  able  to  proceed  'to  America 
or  to  take  up  their  residence  in  some  European  pro 
vince,  not  then  at  war  with  France.  They  knew  the 
hazard  of  falling  in  with  the  Austrian  army,  but,  at 
the  worst,  they  could  be  treated  only  as  prisoners  of 
war,  and  concluded  this  preferable  to  the  peril  in 
camp.  On  arriving  at  Rochefort  after  a  rapid  journey, 
they  found  themselves  in  the  neighborhood  of  an 
advanced  guard  of  Austrians.  They  could  not  pro 
ceed  without  passports,  and  could  not  retreat  without 
danger  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  French.  At 
the  outskirts  of  Rochefort,  de  Puzy  was  sent  forward 
to  solicit  passports,  without  disclosing  the  names  or 
rank  of  those  for  whom  they  were  designed.  Count 


306  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

d?  Harnoncourt,  who  then  held  command  at  this  post, 
was  a  shrewd  man,  closely  questioned  de  Puzy  re 
specting  his  companions  and  their  object  in  flying  from 
France.  Finding  that  they  would  be  unwilling  to 
join  the  refugees  in  the  Austrian  ranks,  but  they 
were  patriots,  d'  Harnoncourt,  detaining  de  Puzy,  sent 
orders  for  the  rest  to  advance.  Refusal  to  comply 
with  this  command  was  out  of  the  question,  and  soon 
Lafayette  was  among  the  foes  of  the  Republic,  and 
under  the  piercing  gaze  of  the  commandant.  Con 
trary  to  his  hopes  he  was  instantly  recognized,  and 
d'  Harnoncourt,  of  course,  would  not  allow  them  now 
to  pass  till  he  had  communicated  with  his  superior 
officer.  With  some  empty  expressions  of  respect, 
he  told  them  it  was  impossible  for  them  to  depart  until 
the  next  day,  and  that  before,  it  was  necessary  to 
obtain  the  requisite  permission  from  General  Moitelle, 
then  stationed  at  Namur.  A  messenger  was  dis 
patched  to  that  place,  writh  the  important  intelligence 
that  Lafayette  was  a  prisoner,  and  de  Puzy  accom 
panied  him  to  solicit,  in  person,  the  continuance  of  their 
journey.  Arriving  at  Namur  he  was  ushered  into 
the  presence  of  the  Austrian  General,  whose  dull  eye 
kindled  with  a  strange  fire  when  he  learned  the 
purport  of  his  errand.  He  could  hardly  believe  his 
senses  when  he  heard  that  d'  Harnoncourt  held  in 
safe  keeping,  at  Rochefort,  the  bravest  general  against 
whom  the  allied  armies  opposed  to  France  were 
called  to  contend.  "What!"  said  he,  "  Lafayette  ? 
Lafayette  ]  Run  instantly  and  inform  the  Duke  of 
Bourbon  of  it,"  said  he  to  one  of  his  officers.  "La- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  307 

fayette  1  Set  out  this  moment  and  carry  this  news  to 
his  royal  highness  at  Brussels,"  he  added  to  another, 
and  on  he  went,  issuing  his  orders  and  muttering  the 
word  Lafayette,  until,  before  the  astonished  de  Puzy 
could  interpose  a  word,  the  news  had  been  dispatched 
to  half  the  princes  and  generals  in  Europe,  that  La 
fayette  was  a  captive  with  the  allies.  Passports  were, 
of  course,  refused,  and  on  the  21st  of  August  the  pri 
soners  were  conducted  to  Namur,  to  gratify  the 
commandant's  curiosity,  and  to  learn  how  the  laws 
of  nations  and  of  war  may  yield  to  a  selfish  policy, 
fogetful  of  every  principle  of  right  in  the  furtherance 
of  base  and  narrow  ends.  Lafayette  found  he  was  a 
close  prisoner,  and,  besides,  indignities  were  offered 
which  made  him  blush  for  his  human  fellowship  with 
those  who  insulted  him.  It  was  hinted  to  him  that  he 
might  purchase  a  mitigation  of  his  hardships,  by  re 
vealing  the  condition  and  military  resources  of  France, 
and  giving  to  the  allied  armies  such  other  information 
as  would  aid  them  in  their  proposed  invasion.  This 
was  too  much  for  the  high  spirit  of  the  Marquis.  He 
thought  of  Arnold,  and  thus  linking  that  name  with 
his,  made  his  heart  leap  with  a  .glow  of  indignation. 
Prince  Charles,  who  visited  him  to  open  the  subject, 
shrunk  with  shame  before  the  man  who  spurned 
treachery  as  infinitely  more  dreadful  than  death  itself. 
The  Austrians  did  not  know  their  prisoner.  They 
had  heard  of  his  patriotism,  but  it  was  unmeaning  to 
the  dull  ears  upon  which  despotism  had  poured  its 
notes  o£  arrogance  and  the  sound  of  fetters.  They 
supposed  that  he  must  be  governed  by  motives  like 


308  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

their  own,  and  marvelled  at  the  reverse.  From 
Namur  the  captives  were  conducted  to  Nivelles  where 
further  contempt  was  borne.  A  commissioner  waited 
upon  them  from  the  Duke  of  Saxe  Teschen,  leader 
of  the  Austrian  forces  at  Brussels,  to  demand,  in  due 
form,  for  the  King  of  France,  it  was  said,  the  treasure 
which  Lafayette  was  supposed  to  have  taken  with  him 
in  his  flight.  Such  a  demand  was  at  first  received  as 
an  undignified  joke,  but  when  the  signs  of  authority 
were  displayed,  and  the  commissioner  gave  assurance 
of  his  earnestness,  Lafayette  met  him  with  mingled 
indignation  and  scorn.  "  I  am  to  infer  then,"  said  he, 
with  cutting  emphasis,  "  that  if  the  Duke  of  Saxe 
Teschen  had  been  in  my  place  he  would  have  stolen 
the  military  chest  of  the  army.  Tell  him  that  the 
Generals  of  the  King  of  France  were  taught  in  a 
different  school  of  morals." 

From  Nivelles,  Lafayette  was  conducted  to  Lux 
embourg,  where  an  attempt  was  made  to  assassinate 
him  by  some  of  the  French  refugees.  Escaping  from 
this,  he  was  reserved  for  a  severe  and  almost  hope 
less  captivity.  His  captors,  disregarding  entirely  the 
claims  of  justice  and  humanity  and  the  laws  of  na 
tions,  treated  him  like  a  feared  and  hated  serf.  A 
correspondence  was  had  between  the  courts  of  Vienna 
and  Berlin,  by  which  it  was  finally  decided  that  he 
should  be  given  over  to  the  Prussians,  for  more  cruel 
confinement.  The  hand  tingles  with  shame  when 
called  to  record  the  fact ;  but  truths  more  humilia 
ting  and  abhorrent,  lie  in  the  subsequent  transactions. 
Despotism  gloated  over  the  wrongs  inflicted  on  free- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  309 

dom's  champion,  though  it  quailed  at  heart  before  the 
spirit  which  he  breathed.  As  the  carrion  kite  may 
assail  the  eagle  through  the  bars  of  his  cage,  and  fly 
screaming  with  alarm  when  they  meet  in  the  free  air. 

At  Luxembourg,  the  captives  were  placed  in  a  com 
mon  cart,  closely  guarded,  and  hurried  to  Wessel,  on 
the  Rhine,  within  the  Prussian  domain.  The  news  of 
their  approach  collected  the  populace  along  their  way, 
to  salute  with  coarse  and  unfeeling  taunts  the  very 
man  who  was  a  martyr  to  their  rights.  The  guard 
made  no  effort  to  prevent  it.  Lafayette  entered  the 
prison  at  Wessel,  without  having  allowed  his  foes  occa 
sion  for  exultation.  A  thrill  ran  along  his  frame 
while  the  heavy  manacles  were  locked  upon  his  hands 
and  feet,  but  wrhen  he  heard  the  dungeon  doors  turn 
upon  their  hinges,  and  the  bolts  drop  into  their  sockets, 
his  accustomed  tranquillity  returned. 

Nature,  however,  yielded.  The  cold  damp  air  of 
his  cell,  added  to  the  hardships  through  wrhich  he  had 
passed,  brought  on  sickness  which,  for  a  time,  precluded 
hope  of  recovery.  Day  by  day  his  strength  wasted, 
but  no  mitigation  of  his  confinement  was  allowed  him. 
Once  the  King  of  Prussia  offered  him  aid  if  he  would 
assist  in  the  plans  forming  against  France  ;  but  he 
met  the  message  with  the  scorn  it  merited,  and  bade 
the  officer  who  brought  it,  return  to  his  master  and 
tell  him  that  he  was  yet  LAFAYETTE. 

The  King  seemed  determined  to  exhaust  his  inge 
nuity  in  increasing  the  burden  of  incarceration.  En 
raged  by  the  contempt  of  his  noble  prisoner,  he  added 
blacker  infamy  to  his  character  by  transferring  him  to 


310  LITE  OF  GENERAL 

a  gloomier  abode.  The  dungeons  of  Wessel  were  not 
dark  enough  to  suit  the  monarch's  malignity;  he  deter 
mined  to  make  them  so.  Without  warning,  Lafayette 
and  his  friends  were  thrown  into  the  cart  which 
brought  them  to  Wessel  and  hurried  away.  No  inti 
mation  of  the  object  of  this  removal  was  given,  till 
the  sombre  towers  of  Magdebourg  rose  in  the  dis 
tance,  and  they  were  told  that  its  chill  caverns  were 
to  be  their  home.  No  intelligence  was  received 
respecting  their  families,  but  reports  of  the  reign  of 
terror  were  repeated,  to  torture  them  with  solicitude 
for  France  and  all  they  cherished  upon  her  soil.  As 
they  entered  the  loathsome  vault,  they  were  told  to 
bid  adieu  for  ever  to  the  world. 

Here  they  lived  for  a  year,  if  their  wretched  exist 
ence  could  be  called  life.  No  ray  of  comfort  was 
permitted  to  play  upon  the  cold  pavement,  nor  hope 
of  deliverance  to  illumine  the  future.  Desolate  and 
despairing,  they  lay;  the  only  news  from  the  outward 
world  was  such  as  would  augment  their  misery. 
Frederic  William  occasionally  sent  to  learn  if  their 
sufferings  were  sufficiently  intense,  and  then  found 
pastime  in  new  acts  of  fiendish  despotism.  Despairing 
of  making  him  yield,  and  fearing  that  the  peace  which 
he  was  concluding  with  France  would  require  the 
surrender  of  Lafayette,  he  caused  him,  with  Mau- 
bourg  and  de  Puzy,  to  be  transferred  to  the  Austrians. 
Austria  was  ready  to  perfect  what  her  neighbor  had 
begun.  The  darkness  which  rested  upon  her;  —  the 
despotism  which  reigned  in  every  part  of  her  domi 
nions  ; —  the  brutalizing  system  of  serfdom; — the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  311 

narrow  mindedness  and  bigotry  which  prevailed  in 
her  councils,  and  guided  her  whole  policy,  fitted  her 
for  the  work  of  torturing  Lafayette,  as  the  same  admi 
rable  traits  have  qualified  her,  in  our  own  times,  to 
crush  Hungary  and  break  the  heart  of  Kossuth  ;  and 
which  had  their  impersonation  in  Haynau.  Austria 
has  always  been  consistent  with  herself.  She  has 
never  grown.  She  has  always  beat  time,  while  the 
advancing  nations,  by  her  side,  have  been  pressing  on 
ward  to  light  and  liberty.  This  very  day  she  lies 
like  a  blot  upon  the  face  of  Europe.  Around  her,  still 
hang  the  shadows  of  the  dark  ages.  Her  despotism 
has  preserved  for  her  people  a  hierarchy,  which,  in 
turn,  makes  the  chains  of  tyranny  firmer,  though  more 
galling,  and  lays  upon  the  nation  an  incrustation  of 
hoary  abuses. 

Olmutz  was  selected  by  Austria  for  the  prisoners, 
and  they  were  carried  thither.  "  Though  placed 
within  the  same  castle,  and  occupying  cells  in  the 
same  corridor,  the  friends  were  as  completely  guarded 
against  all  intercourse  with  each  other,  and  all  know 
ledge  of  each  other's  condition,  as  if  an  ocean  or  a 
continent  separated  them.  As  they  entered  their  cells, 
it  was  declared  to  each  of  them,  that  the  would  never 
come  out  of  them  alive, —  that  they  would  never  see 
any  thing  but  what  was  enclosed  within  the  four  walls 
of  their  respective  cells, —  that  they  would  hold  no 
communication  with  the  outer  world,  nor  receive  any 
kind  of  information  of  persons  or  things  there, —  that 
their  jailers  were  even  prohibited  from  pronouncing 
their  names,  —  that  in  the  prison  reports  and  govern- 


312  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

merit  dispatcnes,  they  would  be  referred  to  only  by 
the  number  of  their  cells. —  that  they  would  never  be 
suffered  to  learn  any  thing  of  the  situation  of  their 
families,  or  even  to  know  of  each  other's  existence  ; — 
and,  that,  as  such  a  situation  of  hopeless  confinement 
would  naturally  incite  to  suicide,  knives  and  forks,  and 
all  other  instruments  by  which  they  might  do  violence 
to  themselves,  would  be  thenceforth  withheld  from 
them." 

This  was  Austria's  improvement  upon  the  cruelties 
at  Magdebourg.  The  walls  of  his  dungeon  were 
twelve  feet  thick,  and  the  only  mode  of  either  en 
trance  or  egress,  was  through  two  doors,  one  of  iron, 
the  other  of  wood,  nearly  two  feet  thick ;  both  of 
which  were  covered  with  bolts  and  bars.  Into  the 
cell  the  air  was  admitted  only  through  an  opening  in 
the  walls  two  feet  square,  secured  at  each  end  by 
transverse  massive  iron  bars.  Without,  and  directly 
under  this  loop  hole,  was  a  broad  ditch,  covered  with 
water  only  when  it  rained,  at  other  times  constantly 
sending  forth  a  poisonous  effluvium  from  its  stagnant 
pools.  The  dimensions  of  his  room  were  eight  or  ten 
paces  deep,  by  six  or  eight  wide,  and  its  whole  furni 
ture  consisted  of  an  old  worrn-eaten  table,  a  broken 
chair,  and  a  bed  of  rotten  straw  filled  with  vermin.  A 
miserable  allowance  was  brought  to  him  twice  a  day, 
with  which  to  eke  out  his  loathesome  existence  ;  books 
were  almost  wholly  excluded,  and  without  a  voice  to 
greet  his  ear  save  the  gruff  tones  of  the  jailer,  life, 
bitter  life,  wore  away. 

He  whose  name  was  written  so  deeply  upon  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE. 

hearts  of  two  nations,  was  not  forgotten.  The  news  of 
his  imprisonment  spread  wherever  he  was  known — and 
where  was  he  not  known  ] — awakening  feelings  corres 
ponding  with  the  differing  estimate  of  his  career.  In 
the  United  States  grief  attended  the  tidings.  They  had 
watched  with  profound  interest  his  course  during  the 
French  struggle,  and  had  felt  an  affectionate  pride  in 
seeing  that  the  dawn  of  liberty,  which  had  risen  to 
noontide  upon  their  broad  land,  was  brightening  around 
him  in  his  native  Gaul.  Sympathy  was  elicited  in  his 
behalf,  and  efforts  put  forth  to  obtain  his  release.  It 
did  not  become  a  free  people  to  remain  inactive  while 
the  form  which  "  rode  on  the  battle's  edge"  for  them, 
was  pining  under  the  weight  of  fetters.  While  La 
fayette  was  at  Magdebourg,  the  American  minister  in 
France,  learning  that  he  was  in  need  of  money,  took 
the  responsibility  of  directing  the  banker  of  the  United 
States,  at  Hamburgh,  to  advance  him  ten  thousand 
florins  ;  an  act  which  Congress  afterwards  ratified, 
under  the  head  of  military  compensation.  The  con 
dition  of  the  Marquis  was  subduing  to  the  spirit  of 
Washington.  His  private  feelings  urged  him  to  take 
every  step  to  liberate  his  friend,  while  his  public  duty, 
as  the  President  of  a  neutral  nation,  forbade  him  to 
interfere.  With  pain  he  was  compelled  to  refuse, 
for  friendship,  to  compromise  his  public  duty.  But 
while,  as  President,  he  maintained  the  neutrality  of 
the  nation,  as  a  man  his  influence  went  strongly  for 
the  Marquis'  release.  "I  need  hardly  mention"  he 
wrote  to  Mr.  Pinckney,  then  in  Europe,  "how  much 
my  sensibility  has  been  hurt  by  the  treatment  this 


S14  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

gentleman  has  met  with,  or  how  anxious  I  am  to  see 
him  liberated  therefrom  ;  but  what  course  to  pursue, 
as  most  likely  and  proper  to  aid  the  measure,  is  not 
quite  so  easy  to  decide  on.  As  President  of  the  Uni 
ted  States,  there  must  not  be  a  commitment  of  the 
government  by  any  interference  of  mine  ;  and  it  is  no 
easy  matter,  in  a  transaction  of  this  nature,  for  a  pub 
lic  character  to  assume  the  garb  of  a  private  citizen, 
in  a  case  that  does  not  relate  to  himself.  Yet  such  is 
my  wish  to  contribute  my  mite  to  accomplish  that 
desirable  object,  that  I  have  no  objection  to  its  being 
made  known  to  the  Imperial  ambassador,  in  London, 
who,  if  he  thinks  proper,  may  communicate  it  to  his 
court,  that  this  event  is  an  ardent  wish  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  to  which  I  sincerely  add  mine. 
The  time,  the  manner,  and  even  the  measure  itself,  I 
leave  to  your  discretion  ;  as  circumstances,  and  every 
matter  which  concerns  this  gentleman,  are  better 
known  on  that  than  they  are  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic." 

To  the  Emperor  of  Germany,  General  Washington 
also  wrote  as  follows  : 

"  It  will  readily  occur  to  your  majesty,  that  occa 
sions  may  sometimes  exist,  on  which  official  considera 
tions  would  constrain  the  chief  of  a  nation  to  be  silent 
and  passive,  in  relation  even  to  objects  which  affect 
his  sensibility,  and  claim  his  interposition  as  a  man. 
Finding  myself  precisely  in  this  situation  at  present, 
I  take  the  liberty  of  writing  this  private  letter  to  your 
majesty,  being  persuaded  that  my  motives  will  also 
be  my  apology  for  it. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  315 

"In  common  with  the  people  of  this  country,  I 
retain  a  strong  and  cordial  sense  of  the  services  ren 
dered  to  them  by  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  ;  and  my 
friendship  for  him  has  been  constant  and  sincere.  It 
is  natural,  therefore,  that  I  should  sympathize  with 
him  and  his  family  in  their  misfortunes,  and  endeavor 
to  mitigate  the  calamities  which  they  experience ; 
among  which,  his  present  confinement  is  not  the  least 
distressing. 

"  I  forbear  to  enlarge  on  this  delicate  subject.  Per 
mit  me  only  to  submit  to  your  majesty's  consideration, 
whether  his  long  imprisonment,  and  the  confiscation 
of  his  estates,  and  the  indigence  and  dispersion  of  his 
family,  and  the  painful  anxieties  incident  to  all  these 
circumstances,  do  not  form  an  assemblage  of  suffer 
ings  which  recommend  him  to  the  mediation  of  huma 
nity]  Allow  me,  sir,  on  this  occasion  to  be  its  organ; 
and  to  entreat,  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  come  to 
this  country,  on  such  conditions  and  under  such  restric 
tions,  as  your  majesty  may  think  it  expedient  to  pre 
scribe. 

"  As  it  is  a  maxim  with  me  not  to  ask  what,  under 
similar  circumstances,  I  would  not  grant,  your  majesty 
will  do  me  the  justice  to  believe,  that  this  request 
appears  to  me  to  correspond  to  those  great  principles 
of  magnanimity  and  wisdom,  which  form  the  basis  of 
sound  policy  and  durable  glory. 

"  May  the  Almighty  and  Merciful  Sovereign  of  the 
universe  keep  your  majesty  under  his  protection  and 
guidance." 

But  not  only  in  America,  in  Europe  also,  there  were 
21 


316  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

similar  demonstrations.  In  the  British  House  of  Par 
liament,  Wilberforce,  and  Fox,  and  Sheridan,  were 
active  in  his  behalf,  though  bigotry  unsubdued,  would 
then  tarnish  his  fame.  A  number  of  the  leading  pa 
pers  in  London  and  Hamburgh,  commenced  a  series 
of  articles,  exposing  in  the  most  cutting  language,  the 
infamous  conduct  of  Prussia  and  Austria,  to  the  scorn 
of  all  Europe.  Their  perfidy  in  detaining  a  prisoner, 
contrary  to  the  rights  of  nations  and  of  humanity, 
was  condemned  with  an  indignant  eloquence  and  a 
scathing  sarcasm,  which  goaded  the  tyrants,  till  they 
spoke  in  their  own  defense.  They  declared  that  La 
fayette's  freedom  was  incompatible  with  the  safety  of 
the  present  governments  of  Europe;  and  this  was  the 
plausible  apology  for  inquisitorial  cruelties.  Though 
France  indirectly  caused  his  present  calamities,  she 
still  possessed  noble  souls.  Madame  de  Stael,  with  her 
characteristic  energy,  wrote  upon  the  subject  to  Gou- 
verneur  Morris,  who,  after  he  was  superseded  as 
minister  to  France,  by  Mr.  Munroe,  traveled  through 
Germany  and  Austria,  and  in  various  ways  endea 
vored  to  procure  the  liberation  of  Lafayette.  In  her 
letter  she  says  : — "  What  I  have  to  task  of  you  is  so 
much  in  accordance  with  your  own  feelings,  that  my 
letter  will  only  repeat  to  you  their  dictates  in  poorer 
expressions.  You  are  traveling  through  Germany, 
and,  whether  on  a  public  mission  or  not,  you  have 
influence,  for  they  are  not  so  stupid  as  not  to  consult 
a  man  like  you.  Open  the  prison  doors  of  M.  de  La 
fayette.  Pay  the  debt  of  your  country.  What 
greater  service  can  any  one  render  to  his  native  land, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  317 

than  to  discharge  her  obligations  of  gratitude?  Is 
there  any  severer  calamity,  than  that  which  has  be 
fallen  Lafayette?  Does  any  more  glaring  injustice 
attract  the  attention  of  Europe?  I  speak  to  you  of 
glory,  yet  I  know  a  more  elevated  sentiment  is  the 
motive  of  your  conduct."  * 

It  was  at  this  period  that  the  virtues  and  heroic 
devotion  of  Madame  de  Lafayette  shone  conspicuously 
forth.  Naturally  of  a  retiring  and  gentle  disposition, 
possessing  all  the  attractions  of  female  loveliness,  she 
was  better  fitted  for  the  quiet  charm  of  the  family 
circle  than  to  move  in  the  wider  sphere  which  her 
rank  required.  History  pours  no  clearer  radiance 
upon  female  character  ;  possessing  so  gentle,  so  pure, 
yet  strong  affections,  true  modesty,  unaffected  sym- 
plicity  and  ingeniousness,  combined  with  a  discretion 
which  could  preserve  her  dignity  and  maintain  a 
becoming  reserve,  consistent  with  the  freedom  and 
confidence  which  distinguished  her.  When  the  thun 
der-bolt  fell  at  her  feet,  breaking  up  her  family  circle 
and  withering  her  domestic  hopes,  her  friends  ex 
pected  to  see  her  fall  like  a  smitten  flower.  But  like 
the  blossom,  bowed  by  dew  drops  of  evening,  she 
raised  her  head  with  a  new  strength  derived  from  the 


*  The  conduct  of  Mr.  Morris  is  worthy  of  all  praise.  He  not  only 
spared  no  sacrifice  for  the  Marquis,  he  also  acted  a  magnanimous 
part  towards  his  suffering  family.  To  Madame  de  Lafayette,  when 
she  was  confined  by  order  of  the  French  authorities,  to  her  residence 
in  Chavagnac,  he  loaned  from  his  private  funds,  one  hundred  thou 
sand  livres,  and  afterwards,  when  she  was  brought  to  Paris  and  im 
prisoned,  it  was  through  his  intercession  alone  that  liberty  was  re- 
BtoreA 


318  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

visitation,  and  the  tears  that  fell  shone  in  the  radiance 
of  her  resignation  and  love,  as  dew  glows  in  the 
light  of  the  morning.  While  the  sympathy  of  friends 
was  unbounded  she  was  called  upon  to  act,  and  she 
nobly  fulfilled  her  mission.  Her  husband  was  a 
prisoner,  and  to  the  Prussian  monarch ;  and  she 
addressed  a  petition  whose  every  line  portrayed, 
distinctly,  the  injustice  he  was  committing.  In  that 
petition,  she  says  "  He,  in  whose  favor  I  implore  the 
mercy  of  your  majesty,  has  never  known  crime. 
Faithful  to  his  King,  when  he  could  no  longer  be  of 
service  to  him  he  left  France.  At  the  moment  when 
he  was  made  prisoner  he  was  crossing  the  low  coun 
tries  to  take  refuge  in  America.  He  believed  himself 
under  protection  of  the  law  of  nations,  and  he  trusted 
to  it  with  so  much  the  more  confidence,  as  the  gen 
erous  sentiments  of  your  majesty  were  not  unknown 
to  him.  1  may,  perhaps,  be  blind  to  the  character  of  a 
beloved  husband,  but  I  cannot  deceive  myself  in  being 
persuaded  that  your  majesty  will  grant  the  prayer 
of  an  unhappy  woman."  The  agony,  occasioned  by 
her  husband's  imprisonment,  was  hardly  increased  by 
the  evils  which  the  French  government  added  to  her 
misfortunes.  The  feeling  for  his  safety  rose  above 
all  personal  considerations,  and  she  seemed  unaware 
of  her  danger  as  a  victim  of  the  Reign  of  Terror. 
He  was  in  all  her  thoughts ;  and  she  would  have  given 
life,  gladly,  to  save  his.  The  following  letter  she 
wrote,  in  1792,  to  Washington.  Describing  the  sit 
uation  of  Lafayette  and  herself,  she  thus  pleads  for 
them  both.  "  He  was  taken  by  the  troops  of  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  319 

Emperor,  although  the  King  of  Prussia  retains  him 
a  prisoner  in  his  dominions.     And  while  he  suffers  this 
inconceivable  persecution  from   the  enemies  without, 
the  faction  which  reigns  within  keeps  me  a  hostage  at 
one   hundred   and    twenty   leagues   from    the   capital. 
Judge,  then,  at  what  distance  I  am  from  him.     In  this 
abyss  of    misery,   the   idea  of    owing  to   the  United 
States  and  to  Washington  the  life  and  liberty  of  M. 
de   Lafayette,  kindles  a  ray  of  hope  in  my  heart.     I 
hope  every  thing  from   the  goodness   of   the  people 
with  whom  he  has  set  an  example  of  that  liberty  of 
which  he  is  now  made  the  victim.     And  shall  I  dare 
speak  what  I  hope!     I  would  ask  of   them,  through 
you,  for  an  envoy,  who  shall  go  to  reclaim  him  in  the 
name  of   the   republic  of   the  United  States,  where 
soever  he  may  be  found,  and  who  shall  be  authorized 
to  make,  with  the  power  in  whose  charge  he  may  be 
placed,  all  necessary  engagements  for  his  relief,  and 
for  taking  him  to  the  United  States,  even  if  he  is  there 
to  be  guarded  as  a  captive.     If  his  wife  and  his  chil 
dren  could  be  comprised  in  this  mission,  it  is  easy  to 
judge  how  happy  it  would  be  for  her  and  them,  but, 
if  this  would,  in  the  least  degree,  retard  or  embarass 
the  measure,  we  will  defer  still  longer  the  happiness 
of  a  reunion.     May  heaven   deign  to  bless  the  con 
fidence  with  which  it  has  inspired  me.      I  hope  my 
request  is  not  a  rash  one.     Accept  the  homage  of  the 
sentiments  which  have  dictated  this  letter,  as  well  as 
that  of  attachment  and  tender  respect." 

It  was  exceedingly  trying  for  Washington,  to  be 
unable  to  comply  with  that  request.  Public  sentiment 
in  tli  A  United  States  was  Btrnno-  in  fw™*  of  MO^OYV,~ 


320  LITE  OF  GENEEAL 

Lafayette's  suggestion,  and  the  President  had  to  resist 
both  this  and  the  full  tide  of  his  own  emotions  in 
sustaining  the  honor  of  the  nation.  He  wrote  to 
Madame  Lafayette,  kindly  and  tenderly,  assuring  her 
of  his  sympathy  and  stating  that,  while  he  could  not 
commit  his  official  character  or  involve  the  country 
in  embarassments,  he  would  still  do  his  utmost  as  a 
private  individual,  to  procure  a  deliverance,  which  he 
desired  ardently  as  herself. 

After  Lafayette's  last  transfer,  all  knowledge  of  his 
place  of  confinement  was  excluded  from  his  friends. 
Austria  meant  that  his  existence  should  be  strictly  a 
living  death.  They,  however,  believing  him  to  be  yet 
alive,  did  not  pause  in  their  endeavors,  but  perseve- 
ringly  sought  to  discover  his  dungeon.  At  length  a 
generous  and  daring  spirit  assumed  the  task,  both  of 
finding  where  he  was  confined,  and  of  rescuing  him 
if  possible.  This  was  Dr.  J.  Erick  Bollman,  a  young 
German  physician,  who  had  just  received  his  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Medicine  from  the  University  of  Gottin- 
gen.  Though  personally  unacquainted  with  Lafayette, 
he  was  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  him,  and  had  made 
several  ineffectual  attempts  to  save  him  from  royal 
ferocity.  Not  disheartened,  he  sold  his  books  to  pro 
cure  means  for  his  journey  and  set  off  for  Hamburgh. 
He  was  here  introduced  to  a  wealthy  banker,  by  the 
name  of  Sieveking,  who  entered  zealously  into  his 
plans,  and  advanced  him  money  sufficient  to  carry 
them  out.*  The  following  account  has  been  mainly 


*  See  Port  Folio,  vol.  XXII.     We  have  made  free  use  of  this  ac 
count,  it  being  the  best  and  most  authentic  one  ever  published. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  321 

taken  and  condensed  from  a  narrative  of  his  projects 
and  adventures,  as  written  by  Dr.  Bollman  himself: 

Leaving  Hamburg,  he  assumed  the  character  of  a 
traveler  in  pursuit  of  knowledge,  and  began  his  wary 
and  difficult  enterprise.  Traversing  Germany,  he 
learned  that  Lafayette,  after  having  been  surrendered 
to  the  Austrian  government,  had  been  borne  away  on 
the  route  towards  Olmutz.  With  this  knowledge  he 
selected,  near  the  frontier,  a  place  of  temporary 
retreat,  in  case  he  should  succeed  in  rescuing  the  cap 
tive  ;  and  having  made  all  necessary  preliminary  ar 
rangements,  proceeded  on  to  Olmutz.  The  utmost 
caution  was  indispensable  to  success,  for  the  Austrian 
police,  at  all  times  more  vigilant  than  that  of  any  coun 
try  in  Europe,  was  now  unusually  active.  Its  Argus 
eyes  were  towards  every  quarter  of  the  state,  and  all 
direct  inquiry  respecting  the  object  of  his  search 
would  inevitably  have  been  noticed,  and  led  to  a  sus 
picion  which  would  have  destroyed  his  plans  before 
they  had  attained  the  maturity  of  promise. 

Dr.  Bollman  acted  with  admirable  care  and  circum 
spection.  He  ascertained  that  several  state  prisoners 
were  confined  in  the  citadel  of  Olmutz,  under  a  mys 
tery  which  rendered  it  highly  probable  to  him,  that 
Lafayette  was  among  them.  Acting  upon  this  suppo 
sition,  the  doctor  visited  the  hospital  and  sought  an 
acquaintance  with  the  first  surgeon,  rightly  judging 
from  reports  which  he  had  gathered  respecting  the 
health  of  the  captives,  that  this  officer  must  be  in  the 
habit  of  attending  upon  them. 

The  surgeon  proved  to  be  an  upright  man,  of  good 


322  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

Sense  and  feeling.  The  acquaintance  seemed  to  be 
mutually  agreeable,  and  after  several  interviews,  when 
the  conversation  turned  on  the  effect  of  moral  impres 
sions  on  the  constitution,  Dr.  Bollman,  who  had  skill 
fully  guided  to  this  issue,  abruptly  drew  a  pamphlet 
from  his  pocket  and  remarked  : — "  Since  we  are  on 
the  subject,  you  attend  to  the  state  prisoners  here, 
Lafayette  is  among  them,  and  his  health  is  much  im 
paired.  Show  him  this  pamphlet.  Tell  him  a  traveler 
left  it  with  you,  who  lately  saw,  in  London,  all  the 
persons  named  in  it,  his  particular  friends  ; — that  they 
are  well,  and  continue  attached  to  him  as  much  as 
ever.  This  intelligence  will  do  him  more  good  than 
all  your  drugs." — At  the  same  moment,  he  laid  the 
pamphlet  on  the  table,  and  perceiving  that  the  sur 
geon  hardly  knew  what  to  reply,  changed  the  conver 
sation,  and  shortly  left  him. 

Thus  far  every  thing  had  worked  finely.  The  man 
ner  of  the  surgeon  convinced  Bollman  that  Lafayette 
was  at  Olmutz,  and  he  well  knew  that  if  he  should 
receive  the  pamphlet,  he  would  devise  means  to  im 
prove  the  opportunity.  Calling  at  the  hospital  as 
before,  but  without  himself  renewing  the  subject,  in  a 
few  days,  the  surgeon  mentioned  to  him  of  his  own 
accord,  that  he  had  given  the  pamphlet  to  Lafayette, 
who  wished  to  learn  some  further  particulars  respect 
ing  the  situation  of  one  or  two  of  the  individuals 
named  in  it.  Upon  hearing  this,  the  doctor,  appearing 
to  have  accidentally  about  him  some  white  paper,  but 
which,  in  fact,  had  been  prepared  for  the  emergency, 
Sat  immediately  down  and  wrote  a  few  lines  in  reply 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  323 

to  the  inquiries  made,  finishing  with  the  sentence, — "  I 
am  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  addressing  you  these 
words,  which,  when  read  with  your  usual  warmth,  will 
afford  to  a  heart  like  yours,  some  consolation."  The 
paper  had  been  previously  written  over  with  sympa 
thetic  ink,  and  the  italicized  words  were  a  sufficient 
hint  to  the  quick-minded  Lafayette.  Applying  heat 
to  the  paper,  he  read,  with  a  throbbing  heart,  its  secret 
language,  and  learned  that  there  was  a  great  soul  near 
him,  who  was  ready  to  peril  every  thing  to  effect  his 
escape.  The  method  by  which  this  could  be  done, 
could  only  be  pointed  out  by  the  prisoner,  and  with 
hope  again  awakening  his  energies,  he  sat  down  to  fix 
on  a  plan,  and  communicate  it  to  his  generous  friend 
outside. 

To  guard  against  suspicion,  Dr.  Bollman,  on  the  day 
following  this,  left  Olmutz  and  proceeded  to  Vienna, 
where  he  remained  a  considerable  time,  but  confiding 
his  design  to  no  person  whatever.  Here  he  had  a 
carriage  constructed,  in  which  were  contrived  conve 
nient  places  for  conveying,  secretly,  a  variety  of 
articles,  such  as  rope-ladders,  cords,  and  tools  which 
would  be  necessary  for  cutting  iron  bars,  and  for  simi 
lar  purposes.  These  general  preparations  being  made, 
he  visited  several  gentlemen  on  their  estates  in  Mora 
via,  and  took  an  opportunity  of  again  touching  at 
Olmutz,  where  he  called  on  the  surgeon,  who  returned 
him  the  pamphlet  formerly  left  for  Lafayette.  On 
examining  it,  he  found  to  his  inexpressible  joy,  that 
the  margin  had  been  written  over  with  sympathetic 
ink ',  from  which  he  learned  that  the  captive,  on  ac- 


324  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

count  of  his  enfeebled  state  of  health,  had  at  length 
obtained  permission  to  take  an  airing,  on  certain  days, 
in  a  carriage,  accompanied  by  a  military  guard ;  and 
that  the  best  and  easiest  mode  to  restore  him  to 
liberty,  would  be  to  attack  the  guard  on  one  of  these 
excursions. 

All  this  was  satisfactory  to  Dr.  Bollman,  and  having 
ascertained  for  his  guidance,  that  Lafayette,  in  taking 
his  ride,  sat  in  an  open  carriage,  with  an  officer  by 
his  side,  a  driver  on  the  box,  and  two  armed  soldiers 
standing  behind,  he  returned  to  Vienna  to  complete 
his  plans  for  this  new  phase  in  the  adventure.  As  it 
was  necessary  to  have  at  least  one  coadjutor  in  the 
undertaking,  he  fixed  upon  a  kindred  spirit,  one  pre 
disposed  in  all  his  sympathies  to  favor  the  bold  mea 
sure  which  he  contemplated.  This  was  Francis 
Kinlock  Huger,  the  son  of  Col.  Huger,  of  South  Caro 
lina,  at  whose  house  Lafayette  first  lodged  when  he 
landed  in  America.  He  was  a  young  man  of  uncom 
mon  talent,  decision  and  enthusiasm ;  who  entered 
into  the  whole  plan,  and  devoted  himself  to  its  exe 
cution  with  the  most  romantic  earnestness. 

Having  agreed  upon  a  mode,  they  publicly  an 
nounced  their  intention  of  returning  to  England 
together.  Two  saddle  horses  were  purchased,  and 
engaging  a  steady  groom  to  attend  them,  they  set 
out  on  their  journey.  Thus,  sometimes  sending  the 
groom  a  station  or  two  forward  with  the  carriage  ; 
at  others,  leaving  him  to  bring  up  the  horses  slowly, 
while  they  pushed  onwrard  in  the  carriage,  they  arri 
ved  at  Olmutz. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  325 

These  were  the  only  two  persons  on  the  continent, 
except  Lafayette  himself,  who  had  the  slightest  sus 
picion  of  any  arrangements  for  his  liberation,  and 
neither  of  these  persons  knew  him  by  sight.  When 
they  reached  Olmutz,  the  doctor  immediately  visited 
the  surgeon,  and,  knowing  the  day  when  the  captive 
was  to  take  his  ride,  mentioned  to  him  the  same  day 
as  the  one  on  which  he  intended  to  continue  his  jour 
ney.  On  that  day,  Nov.  8th,  1794,  the  groom  was 
dispatched,  at  an  early  hour,  to  Hoff,  a  post  town 
about  twenty-five  miles  distant,  with  orders  to  have 
fresh  horses  in  readiness,  at  four  o'clock.  As  neither 
of  the  parties  knew  the  other,  it  had  been  concerted 
between  them,  that,  to  avoid  all  mistakes,  when  the 
rescue  should  be  attempted,  each  should  take  off  his 
hat  and  wipe  his  forehead  in  token  of  recognition. 

Their  horses  were  now  ready  at  the  inn,  and  Mr. 
Huger  feigned  some  business  near  the  town  gate,  in 
order  to  watch  the  moment  when  the  carriage  should 
pass.  As  soon  as  he  saw  it,  he  hastened  back  to  the 
inn  and  communicated  the  news  to  the  Doctor. 
The  two  then  mounted,  followed  the  carriage  at 
some  distance,  armed  only  with  a  pair  of  pistols,  and 
those  not  loaded  with  ball.  Their  success  was  to 
depend  upon  the  surprise,  as,  under  the  circumstances 
of  the  case,  they  considered  that  it  would  be  not  only 
unjustifiable,  but  useless  and  imprudent,  to  take  any 
person's  life. 

At  length  they  quickened  their  pace  and  rode  past 
the  carriage,  and  then,  slackening,  allowed  it  again 
to  go  ahead,  while  they  seized  the  opportunity  as  it 


326  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

was  passing,  to  exchange  signals  with  the  prisoner. 
At  two  or  three  miles  from  the  gate,  the  carriage 
left  the  high  road  and  passed  into  a  less  frequented 
tract  in  the  midst  of  an  open  country.  Every  mo 
tion  was  now  watched  by  the  two  horsemen,  with 
the  intensest  interest.  Presently  the  carriage  stop 
ped,  and  Lafayette  and  the  officer  got  out  and  walked, 
arm  and  arm,  to  give  the  former  more  opportunity 
for  exercise.  The  carriage  with  the  guard  drove 
slowly  on?  but  remained  in  sight.  This  was  evi 
dently  the  time  for  the  attempt,  and  galloping  up,  the 
doctor  threw  the  reins  of  his  horse  to  Huger,  and 
instantly  sprang  to  the  ground  by  the  side  of  the  offi 
cer  and  Lafayette.  At  the  same  moment  the  latter 
seized  hold  of  the  officer's  sword,  but  before  he  could 
draw  it  from  the  scabbard,  the  officer  had  seized  it 
also,  and  the  scuffle  began.  Bollman  sprang  upon 
the  officer,  who  had  caught  hold  of  Lafayette,  and, 
in  the  melee  which  ensued,  the  three  came  together 
to  the  ground,  the  officer  roaring  as  loudly  as  he 
could  for  help,  and  the  guard,  on  hearing  it,  instead 
of  coming  to  his  assistance,  fleeing  to  alarm  the  cita 
del.  Huger,  passing  the  bridles  of  the  two  horses 
over  one  arm,  with  his  other  hand  thrust  his  hand 
kerchief  into  the  officer's  mouth  to  stop  his  noise, 
and  Bollman  kneeling  upon  him,  managed  to  keep 
him  to  the  ground,  while  Lafayette  extricating  him 
self  from  his  grasp,  sprang  to  his  feet  once  more  a 
free  man. 

Thus  far  all  had  gone  admirably,  and  would  now 
have  resulted  well,  but  one  of  the  horses  taking  fright 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  327 

at  the  scene  and  noise,  had  reared,  slipped  his  bridle 
and  ran  off.  The  doctor,  still  keeping  down  the 
officer,  handed  a  purse  to  Lafayette  and  bade  him 
mount  the  remaining  horse  and  save  himself  now  by 
flight.  Huger  told  him  in  English  to  go  to  Hoff.  but 
he,  mistaking  what  was  said  to  him  for  a  more  gene 
ral  direction  to  go  off,  delayed  a  moment  to  see  if 
he  could  not  assist  them  —  then  went  on — then  rode 
back,  still  unwilling  to  leave  them,  and  finally,  urged 
anew,  galloped  away  and  was  out  of  sight  in  a  minute. 
As  soon  as  this  was  accomplished,  the  two  heroes 
left  the  officer  without  further  violence,  and  recover 
ing  the  horse  which  had  escaped,  they  both  mounted 
him,  intending  to  follow  and  assist  Lafayette.  But 
this  animal,  less  docile  and  attractable  than  the  other, 
which  had  been  trained  to  carry  two  persons,  refused 
to  perform  this  task,  reared,  bounded,  and  presently 
threw  both.  Huger  immediately  exclaimed,  "  This 
will  never  do  !  The  Marquis  wants  you.  Take  the 
horse,  therefore,  and  push  on,  and  I  will  take  my 
chance  on  foot  across  the  country."  The  doctor  did 
so,  but  his  companion,  who  now  had  little  chance 
of  escape,  was  soon  seized  by  the  peasants,  who  had 
witnessed  the  scene,  and  conducted  back  to  Olrnutz. 
These  accidents  defeated  the  design,  wisely  planned, 
and,  so  far  as  they  could  foresee  results,  judiciously 
and  prudently  attempted.  Dr.  Bollman  easily  arrived 
at  Hoff;  but  not  finding  Lafayette  there,  and  being 
anxious  to  receive  some  intelligence  of  him,  although 
he  might  readily  have  secured  himself  by  proceeding 
to  Tarnowitz,  he  lingered  about  the  frontiers,  till  the 


328  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

next  night,  when  he,  too,  was  arrested,  by  order  of 
the  Prussian  authority,  at  the  requisition  of  Austria. 

Lafayette  remained  unpursued.  He  had  taken  a 
wrong  road,  which  led  to  Jagerscloff,  a  place  on  the 
Prussian  frontier,  and  followed  it  as  long  as  his  horse 
could  proceed.  He  was  within  a  few  miles  of  the 
boundary  of  Austrian  rule,  and  perceiving  that  his 
horse  could  go  no  further,  he  accosted  a  peasant, 
whom  he  overtook  on  the  road,  not  far  from  the  vil 
lage,  and  under  some  pretext,  offered  him  money  if 
he  would  procure  him  another  horse  and  attend  him 
to  the  frontier.  The  man  apparently  agreed,  and 
went  to  the  village  for  the  horse,  though  his  suspi 
cion  was  awakened  by  the  appearance  of  the  stran 
ger.  He  promptly  returned,  but  he  came  with  a 
force  which  arrested  the  astonished  fugitive,  and,  de 
spite  his  entreaties  and  offers  of  gold,  he  was  led 
into  the  village,  carried  before  a  magistrate,  recog 
nized  by  an  officer  from  Olmutz,  and  before  three 
short  days  of  liberty  had  gladdened  his  heart,  he 
was  loaded  with  chains,  and  carried  back  to  his  dun 
geon  with  little  hope  now  that  his  obscure  and  igno 
minious  sufferings  could  be  terminated  except  by 
death.* 

He  found,  in  the  treatment  to  which  he  was  sub 
jected,  that  he  had  not  yet  been  permitted  to  con 
ceive  the  extent  of  that  cruelty  which  despotism  was 

*  Bollman  and  Huger,  after  having  endured  the  harshest  treatment 
and  strictest  confinement,  for  over  eight  months,  were  at  length  libe 
rated  through  the  powerful  intercession  of  an  Austrian  nobleman,  a 
personal  friend  of  the  former 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  329 

able  to  inflict.  "  The  irons  were  so  closely  fastened 
around  his  ankles,  that  for  three  months  he  endured 
the  most  excruciating  torture.  During  the  winter 
1794-5,  which  was  extremely  severe,  he  was  re 
duced  almost  to  the  last  extremity  by  a  violent 
fever,  and,  yet,  was  deprived  of  proper  attendance, 
of  air,  of  suitable  food,  and  of  decent  clothes.  In 
this  state  he  was  allowed  nothing  for  his  bed  but  a 
little  damp  and  moldy  straw,  and  was  closely  con 
fined  by  a  chain  around  his  waist,  which  was  fas 
tened  to  the  wall,  and  barely  permitted  him  to  turn 
from  one  side  to  the  other.  No  light  was  admitted 
into  his  cell,  and  he  was  even  refused  the  smallest 
allowance  of  linen.  Worn  down  by  disease  and  the 
rigor  of  the  season,  he  became  miserably  emaciated. 

To  increase  his  miseries,  almost  insupportable  men 
tal  anxieties  were  added  to  his  physical  distresses. 
He  was  made  to  believe  that  he  was  only  reserved 
for  a  public  execution,  and  that  his  chivalrous  deli 
verers  had  already  perished  on  the  scaffold;  while, 
at  the  same  time,  he  was  not  permitted  to  know 
whether  his  family  were  still  alive,  or  had  fallen  un 
der  the  revolutionary  axe,  of  which,  during  the  few 
days  he  was  out  of  his  dungeon,  he  had  heard  such 
appalling  accounts." 

The  attempted  rescue,  though  unsuccessful  in  its 
immediate  result,  was  yet  productive  of  beneficial  ef 
fects.  It  gave  to  Europe  and  the  world  a  clue  to 
the  place  of  his  confinement,  and,  consequently,  added 
definiteness  and  vigor  to  the  plans  which  were  al 
ready  maturing  for  his  deliverance.  It  stirred  anew 


330  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  heart  of  his  devoted  wife,  who,  as  soon  as  she 
was  free  from  the  restraints  imposed  by  the  terror 
ists,  determined  to  present  her  plea,  in  person,  before 
the  Emperor  of  Austria,  strong  in  the  faith  of  affec 
tion  that  her  petition  could  not  be  denied,  when 
urged  with  all  the  arguments  of  her  woman's  love. 
Sending  her  son  George  to  America,  to  the  care  of 
Washington,  and  assuming  for  herself  the  name  of 
Mrs.  Mortier,  she  set  out  for  Vienna,  with  American 
passports,  and  accompanied  by  her  two  daughters,  in 
disguise.  Anastasia,  the  elder  of  these,  was  then  six 
teen,  and  Virginia,  the  younger,  thirteen  years  of  age. 
The  Emperor  before  whom  she  presented  her  re 
quest  was  Francis  I.,  a  nephew  of  the  unfortunate 
Marie  Antoinette,  who  possessed,  in  addition  to  the 
prejudices  growing  out  of  his  position,  the  hostility 
to  Lafayette  which  had  been  cherished  by  the  ill- 
fated  Queen  of  France.  It  was,  therefore,  with  no 
willing  ear  that  he  listened  to  the  petition,  although 
pressed  with  a  force  and  eloquence  which  none  could 
use  but  a  wife  pleading  for  the  husband  of  her  youth. 
He  told  her  that  his  "  hands  were  tied,"  so  that  he 
could  not  liberate  him  ;  but,  at  length,  moved  by  her 
entreaties,  he  granted  her  request  that  herself  and 
daughters  might  be  permitted  to  share  his  terrible 
captivity.  In  order  to  yield  as  little  as  possible,  this 
permission  was  itself  made  as  near  a  prohibition  as 
the  nature  of  the  case  would  admit.  They  were  as-, 
sured,  that  if  they  entered  the  prison  they  could 
never  come  "out  alive,  and  that  if  they  went  they 
were  to  leave  behind  them  every  thing  which  could 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  331 

in  the  least  degree  minister  to  their  comfort,  by  alle 
viating  the  woe  which  must  reign  unbroken  within  the 
walls  of  an  Austrian  dungeon. 

Harsh  as  these  provisions  were,  and  well  calculated 
as  they  must  have  been  to  deter  ladies  accustomed 
to  all  the  refinements  and  luxuries  of  life,  they  were 
still  accepted  without  hesitation.  The  cold  bosom  of 
the  Emperor  thrilled  with  a  new  sympathy  as  these 
brave  spirits  left  his  presence,  voluntarily  to  shut  them 
selves  out  from  the  world  and  assume  the  horrors 
of  a  hopeless  captivity,  for  the  sake  of  mitigating  ano 
ther's  sorrows.  Touched  with  regret,  it  is  possible 
that  even  then  he  would  have  given  orders  for  the 
release  of  Lafayette,  had  it  not  been  as  he  himself 
said,  that  his  "  hands  were  tied."  We  shall  make 
no  attempt  to  picture  the  meeting  which  took  place 
between  Lafayette  and  his  wife  and  daughters.  Ima 
gination  can  better  furnish  the  scene  than  words  de 
scribe  it.  Those  dungeon  walls  never  rung  to  such 
melody,  as  when  the  dearest  objects  of  earthly  love 
greeted  the  lonely  captive  in  his  cell.  Joy,  pure  and 
hallowed,  was  the  first  emotion,  and  the  prison  became 
a  palace  in  that  outgush  of  emotion  which  flowed 
from  reciprocal  sympathy  and  affection.  What  was 
either  prison  or  palace,  in  such  a  moment,  to  them  ? 

The  complicated  horrors  and  sufferings  of  their 
loathsome  confinement,  were  too  much  for  the  deli 
cate  frame  of  Madame  de  Lafayette,  already  worn 
down  by  previous  suffering  and  anxiety.  Yet,  for 
sixteen  months,  she  endured  it  all  cheerfully,  adhering 

firmly  to  her  resolution    to  perish,  if  she  must,  by  her 
'22 


332  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

husband's  side.  Her  gradual  emaciation  and  growing 
feebleness  were  not,  however,  unnoticed  by  the  fond 
eye  of  him  whom  she  had  come  to  bless,  and,  alarmed 
for  her  safety,  he  urged  her  to  write  to  the  Emperer, 
and  petition  for  an  egress  of  at  least  two  weeks  from 
the  prison,  that  she  might  breathe  a  purer  air  and 
obtain  that  medical  assistance  her  sinking  health  so 
urgently  demanded.  This  she  at  length  did,  and  then 
waited  for  two  months  longer  before  a  reply  was 
deigned  to  her  simple  and  humble  request.  It  was  a 
matter  of  grave  consultation  among  the  lords  at  Vi 
enna,  how  they  might  answer  in  the  keenest  form  of 
cruelty,  the  petition  of  a  suffering  and  pure-minded 
woman,  whose  only  crime  was  that  she  was  the  wife 
of  Lafayette  and  shared  in  the  hatred  which  her 
husband  felt  to  oppression.  After  due  deliberation,  it 
was  determined  with  a  refinement  of  brutality,  that 
her  request  should  be  granted  on  condition  that  she 
should  never  appear  in  the  capital  nor  return  to  the 
prison.  Was  this  former  provision  adopted  because 
they  felt  that  they  would  be  ashamed  to  meet  her 
afterwards  1 

These  conditions  Madame  de  Lafayette  spurned  as 
indignantly  as  she  would  their  authors.  She  told  the 
officer  who  laid  them  before  her,  that  rather  than 
leave  the  prison  on  such  terms,  she  would  remain 
there  even  should  she  be  called  to  die  in  the  loathe- 
someness  of  her  captivity.  An  answer  being  required 
in  writing,  she  seized  a  pen  and  wrote  the  following 
resolve,  every  line  of  which  illustrates  the  truth  of 
Madame  de  Stael's  remark,  that  "  the  history  of  fe- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  333 

male  virtue  and  female  heroism  presents  nothing 
more  rare  in  excellence,  than  the  life  and  character 
of  Madame  de  Lafayette." 

"  I  owed  it  to  my  family  and  my  friends,  to  ask  the 
assistance  necessary  for  my  health; — but  they  know 
that  the  conditions  attached  to  it  cannot  be  accepted 
by  me.  I  never  can  forget  that,  while  we  were  both 
on  the  point  of  perishing  —  I  by  the  tyranny  of 
Robespierre,  my  husband  by  the  physical  and  moral 
sufferings  of  his  captivity — I  was  not  permitted  to 
receive  any  news  of  him,  nor  he  to  learn  that  his 
.children  and  I  still  existed.  I  will  not  expose  myself 
to  the  horrors  of  a  new  separation.  Whatever  may 
be  the  state  of  my  health,  or  the  inconvenience  of  this 
residence  to  my  daughters,  we  shall  gratefully  avail 
ourselves  of  his  imperial  majesty's  goodness  in  per 
mitting  us  to  share  my  husband's  captivity  in  all  its 
details.  NOAILLES  LAFAYETTE." 

No  complaint  afterwards  fell  from  the  lips  of  this 
heroic  woman,  and  no  further  trial  made  by  the  suf 
ferers  to  escape  the  privations  which  were  drawing 
their  curtain  of  gloom  fearfully  around  them.  Sad 
enough  was  their  lot,  but  it  was  better  than  separa 
tion  and  endured  without  a  murmur.  To  aggravate 
their  sorrow,  the  two  daughters  were  guarded  in 
separate  dungeons,  for  sixteen  hours  of  each  day,  and 
the  eight  hours  which  the  family  were  allowed  to 
spend  together,  were  liable  to  constant  interruptions 
by  the  busy  interference  of  the  functionaries  of  the 
prison.  The  clothes  of  the  captives  were  only  par 
tially  allowed  renewal,  though  worn,  tattered  and  fil- 


334  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

thy; — their  food  was  barely  enough  to  satisfy  hun 
ger,  and  of  the  coarsest  kind;  —  the  air  which  they 
breathed  was  noxious  with  effluvia ;  the  light  of  hea 
ven  was  rarely  permitted  to  cheer  the  dreary  arch 
way  around  them; — and  thus  the  weary  months 
passed  away,  increasing  in  horror  by  the  infernal  skill 
of  the  jailers  inventing  new  methods  of  heartless 
persecution. 

But  Providence,  whose  mysterious  and  wise  pur 
poses  send  adversity  and  prosperity,  had  not  deter 
mined  that  Lafayette  and  his  family  should  perish 
so.  Austria  could  spurn  the  entreaties  of  America, 
and  England,  and  France;  she  could  frown  at  the 
words  of  reproach  repeated  over  the  continent,  but 
she  quailed  when  the  tidings  of  Napoleon's  vast  de 
signs  and  victorious  career,  sent  alarm  through  her 
imperial  chambers  ;  she  heard  the  voice  of  "  the  con 
queror  of  Italy  "  in  menacing  tones.  Her  Italian  pro 
vinces  were  snatched  from  her  grasp  almost  before 
she  knew  that  they  were  endangered,  and,  with  her 
power  humbled,  she  saw  the  victorious  feet  of  the 
hero  of  Lodi  steadily  encroaching  on  her  domains. 
Her  generals  were  unable  to  stand  before  him,  and, 
after  defeats  and  disasters  had  followed  in  rapid  suc 
cession,  her  armies  put  to  rout,  and  her  fair  posses 
sions  disappearing,  she  was  at  length  compelled  to 
sue  for  peace.  Negotiations  were  opened  at  Leoben, 
but  the  triumphant  Napoleon  would  grant  no  peace 
until  Austria  had  set  at  liberty  every  foreign  prisoner 
confined  for  political  offences.  It  was  expressly  stipu 
lated  by  Bonaparte,  that  the  dungeon  doors  of  Olmutz 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  335 

should  be  opened  to  Lafayette  and  his  companions 
in  captivity.  The  language  of  Bonaparte  was  such 
as  could  not  be  misunderstood,  and  she  dared  not  re 
fuse,  though  for  a  long  time  she  evaded  the  point, 
and  sought  to  do  so  wholly  by  other  concessions. 
But  Napoleon  had  made  his  demands  from  which  no 
thing  could  induce  him  to  yield.  He  told  the  Aus 
trian  envoys,  who  met  him  at  Leoben,  that  the  release 
of  Lafayette  and  his  companions  must  be  granted, 
and  bade  them  signify  to  the  cabinet  at  Vienna,  "  that 
the  speedy  liberation  of  the  prisoners  at  Olmutz,  was 
the  most  unequivocal  pledge  which  his  imperial  ma 
jesty  could  give  to  the  French  republic,  of  his  desire 
to  bring  to  a  happy  issue  a  negotiation  that  essentially 
interested  the  welfare  of  both  nations,  and  the  tran 
quillity  of  Europe."  As  the  commissioners  still  equi 
vocated  and  delayed/  Bonaparte,  losing  his  temper 
one  day,  seizing  a  valuable  tea  service,  which  stood 
upon  the  sideboard,  and  which  had  been  presented 
by  the  Empress  Catharine  to  one  of  the  commis 
sioners,  dashed  it  upon  the  floor  before  them,  exclaim 
ing,  "  War  is  declared,  but  remember,  that  in  less 
than  three  months  I  will  demolish  your  monarchy 
as  I  dash  in  pieces  this  porcelain."  It  was  enough  ; 
the  treaty  was  signed,  and  the  Austrian  government 
wras  bound,  upon  national  faith,  to  set  the  prisoners 
free.* 


*  Austria  was  unwilling  to  acknowledge  even  then  that  she  had 
been  forced  to  submission.  It  was  a  remark  of  one  of  her  ministers^ 
Baron  Thugut,  that  "  Lafayette  was  not  liberated  at  the  instance  of 


336  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

On  the  23d  of  September,  1797,  Lafayette,  after  an 
imprisonment  of  over  five  years,  and  his  wife  and 
daughters,  after  having  been  confined  with  him  for 
twenty-two  months,  were  allowed  again  to  look  upon 
the  light  and  breath  once  more  the  pure  air  of  hea 
ven.  The  emotions  of  that  family  then  mock  the 
power  of  language.  An  officer  awaited  them  at  the 
gates  to  escort  them  to  Hamburgh,  where  they  were 
to  receive  their  formal  discharge  from  John  Parish, 
Esq.,  the  worthy  American  consul,  who  had  long 
been  devoted  to  their  escape.  Their  reception  in 
Hamburgh  is  related  by  Mr.  Parish  himself. 

"  The  Marquis'  departure  from  Olmutz  was  notified 
to  M.  de  Buol  and  myself,  and  I  concerted  measures 
for  his  being  delivered  over  to  me  in  my  own  house. 
Every  thing  was  so  arranged  as  to  have  the  ceremony 
performed  as  quickly  and  secretly  as  possible,  and 
the  4th  of  October  was  fixed  for  this  reception.  Mr. 
Morris  and  I  dined  that  day  with  the  minister  Baron 
de  Buol.  I  left  them  at  four  o'clock,  in  order  to  be 
at  home  when  they  arrived.  An  immense  crowd  of 
people  announced  their  arrival.  The  streets  were 
lined,  and  my  house  was  soon  filled  with  them.  A 
lane  was  formed  to  let  the  prisoners  pass  to  my  room. 


France,  but  merely  to  show  the  Emperor's  consideration  for  the 
United  States  of  America."  The  influence  of  the  American  Presi 
dent  may  have  had  its  weight,  and  if  so, —  as  another  has  remarked, 
—  it  is  not  a  little  singular  that  his  release  should  have  been  effec 
ted  by  the  co-operation  of  the  two  most  conspicuous  men  of  their 
age.  one  the  founder  of  a  republic,  the  other  of  a  despotism, — 
George  Washington  and  Napoleon  Bonaparte. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  337 

Lafayette  led  the  way  and  was  followed  by  his  infirm 
lady  and  two  daughters.  He  flew  into  my  arms  ; 
his  wife  and  daughters  clung  to  me.  A  silence,  an 
expressive  silence,  took  place.  It  was  broken  by  an 
exclamation  of,  "  my  friend  !  my  dearest  friend  !  my 
deliverer !  See  the  work  of  your  generosity  !  My 
poor,  poor  wife,  hardly  able  to  support  herself!" 
And,  indeed,  she  was  not  standing,  but  hanging  on 
my  arm,  imbued  with  tears,  while  her  two  lovely 
girls  had  hold  of  the  other.  The  scene  was  ex 
tremely  affecting  and  I  was  very  much  agitated. 
The  room  was  full  and  I  am  sure  there  was  not  a  dry 
eye  in  it.  I  placed  the  Marchioness  on  a  sofa  ;  she 
sobbed  and  wept  much,  and  could  utter  but  few  words. 
Again  the  Marquis  came  to  my  arms,  his  heart  over 
flowing  with  gratitude.  I  never  saw  a  man  in  such 
complete  ecstacy  of  body  and  mind.  He  is  a  hand 
some  man,  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  seemed  to  have 
suffered  but  little  from  his  confinement.  It  required 
a  good  quarter  of  an  hour  to  compose  him. 

"  In  the  midst  of  this  scene  the  minister  joined  us. 
I  introduced  the  Marquis  and  his  family  to  him,  and 
then  requested  that  the  ceremony  about  to  be  per 
formed,  might  be  in  a  private  room,  and  desired  that 
the  rest  of  the  company  might  remain  where  they 
were. 

"  The  minister,  and  his  secretary,  with  the  officer 
of  the  escort,  Mr.  Morris  and  the  prisoner,  retired 
with  me  to  an  inner  apartment,  where  M.  de  Buol, 
after  a  very  handsome  address  to  the  prisoner,  stated 
the  particular  satisfaction  he  had  in  delivering  him 


338  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

over  to  a  friend  who  loved  and  respected  him  so 
much.  He  then  addressed  me,  and  after  some  flat 
tering  compliments,  reminded  me  of  my  engagement 
to  the  Emperor,  to  have  the  Marquis  removed  out 
of  Germany  in  ten  days,  which  I  again  promised  to 
fulfill,  when  he  told  Lafayette  that  he  was  now  com 
pletely  restored  to  liberty." 

In    rapture    he    could    exclaim    with    the    English 
Bard,— 

"  0  ye  loud  Waves  !   and  0  ye  Forests  high  ! 

And  0  ye  Clouds  that  far  above  me  soared  1 
Thou  rising  Sun  1   thou  blue  rejoicing  sky ! 
Yea,  every  thing  that  is  and  will  be  free ! 
Bear  witness  for  me  wheresoe'er  ye  be, 
With  what  deep  worship  I  have  still  adored 
The  spirit  of  divinest  Liberty  ! 


CHAPTER  X. 


LAFAYETTE  IN  PRIVATE  LIFE  AGAIN — Two  YEARS  IN  HOLSTEIN — VISITS  BA- 
TAVIA  —  OVERTHROW  OP  THE  FRENCH  DIRECTORY  —  NAPOLEON  APPOINTED 
FIRST  CONSUL  —  LAFAYETTE  APPEARS  IN  PARIS  —  CHAGRIN  OF  BONAPARTE 

—  MUTUAL  UNDERSTANDING  —  LAFAYETTE  RETIRES  TO  LA  GRANGE  —  His  IN 
TERCOURSE  WITH  BONAPARTE  CEASES  — DEATH   OP  MADAME  DE  LAFAYETTE 

—  BANISHMENT   OF  BONAPARTE   TO   ELBA  —  ELEVATION  OF  Louis  XVIII  TO 
THE  FRENCH  THRONE — ESCAPE   OF  BONAPARTE  —  HE  APPEABS  IN  PARIS  — 
BONAPARTE  AND  LAFAYETTE —REVERSES  AT  WATERLOO — ABDICATION  —  LA 
FAYETTE  AT  LA  GRANGE  — Is  AGAIN  ELECTED  TO  THE  CHAMBER  OF  DEPUTIES 
• — REVISITS   AMERICA  —  INCIDENTS    OF   HIS    TOUR  —  RETURNS   TO  FRANCE  — 
ANOTHER  REVOLUTION— DEATH  OF  LAFAYETTE —  His  CHARACTER. 


The  first  act  of  Lafayette  after  his  release  was  to 
obey  the  dictates  of  a  grateful  heart  by  writing  and 
expressing  his  cordial  acknowledgements  to  those  who 
had  so  generously  aided  in  his  restoration.  His  next 
step  was  to  procure  a  temporary  retreat,  where  the 
sinking  health  of  Madame  de  Lafayette  might  be 
restored,  and  which  should  be  a  home  till  the  shores 
of  his  own  native  land  should  again  welcome  his  foot 
steps.  The  terms  of  release  implied,  as  we  have 
seen,  that  he  should  leave  the  Austrian  jurisdiction 
within  ten  days  ;  and  as  the  Directory  had  not  yet 
invited  him  to  return,  he  was  compelled  to  select  his 
residence  upon  neutral  ground  ;  accordingly  Holstein, 
a  dependency  of  the  King  of  Denmark,  was  chosen. 
In  this  territory,  at  the  little  town  of  Welmoldt,  he 
enjoyed  relaxation  and  repose.  His  own  patrimony 
had  been  confiscated,  but  he  was  now  relieved  from 


840  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

pecuniary  embarassment  by  a  bequest  oi  tour  thousand 
pounds  which  had  been  made  him  by  two  English 
ladies  as  a  token  of  their  sympathy.  With  his  son 
George,  returned  from  America,  his  family  circle  was 
complete,  and  two  years  of  uninterrupted  pleasure 
glided  by  at  Welmoldt.  His  time  was  occupied 
partly  with  agriculture,  partly  with  literature  and 
general  science,  and  partly  in  arranging  his  "  His 
torical  Fragments,"  embracing  the  political  incidents 
and  events  of  his  past  life.  From  the  agitations 
which  were  still  rocking  Europe  and  which  Na 
poleon  was  beginning  to  guide,  he  kept  studiously 
aloof.  He  desired  to  quit  European  politics,  at  least 
for  a  time,  and  if  it  could  be,  to  revisit  America  and 
take  up  his  abode  among  the  people  of  his  early  fame 
and  affection.  He  communicated  his  wishes  to  Wash 
ington,  but  was  dissuaded  from  immediate  action  on 
account  of  difficulties  of  a  serious  and  delicate  nature 
which  had  just  arisen  between  the  French  Directory 
and  the  government  of  the  United  States. 

In  the  year  1799  the  Batavian  republic,  in  gratitude 
for  his  services  rendered  in  1787,  sent  him  a  formal 
invitation  to  visit  that  state,  which  he  accepted  ;  and 
soon  after  left  Holstein  for  Utrecht.  He  was  here 
received  with  marked  attention.  The  government 
and  citizens  conspired  to  render  him  the  full  tribute 
of  their  grateful  affection  ;  and  in  renewing  his  in 
tercourse  with  many  of  his  former  friends  whom  he 
now  met,  he  began  to  feel  that  his  manacles  were 
removed.  Still  he  was  not  at  home.  Amid  the  delights 
with  which  he  was  surrounded,  he  was  yet  an  exile 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  341 

The  French  Directory  still  refused  to  erase  his  name 
from  the  list  of  the  proscribed,  and  France  was 
therefore  shut  against  him.  Germany  was  forbidden 
ground.  He  could  not  return  to  Holstein,  for  Russia 
was  just  then  meditating  an  invasion  of  that  province. 
His  way  was  not  yet  clear  to  America.  England, 
though  she  might  not  forbid  him  a  refuge,  could  not 
afford  him  a  hospitable  reception.  As  he  had  before 
written  when  confined  at  Magdebourg :  "  To  the 
dangers  of  an  escape  from  these  barriers,  guards  and 
chains,  are  added  those  of  a  flight  through  the  enemy's 
country,  and  an  asylum.  From  Constantinople  to 
Lisbon,  from  Kamschatka  to  Amsterdam,  (for  I  am 
not  in  favor  with  the  house  of  Orange,)  only  bastiles 
await  me.  The  forests  of  the  Hurons  and  the  Iro- 
quois  are  peopled  with  my  friends.  The  despots  of 
Europe  and  their  courts,  are  savages  to  me.  Though 
J  am  not  beloved  at  St.  James,  that  is  a  nation  of 
laws  ;  but  I  would  avoid  a  country  at  war  with  my 
own." 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1799,  occurred  those 
memorable  events  in  Paris  which  overthrew  the  go 
vernment  of  the  Directory;  established  the  Consulate, 
and  placed  the  victorious  Napoleon  at  the  head  of 
affairs  in  the  Republic.  Though  he  had  secured  the 
freedom  of  Lafayette,  he  was  averse  to  his  returning, 
aware  that  his  own  aspirations  and  plans  could  never 
harmonize  with  those  of  so  earnest  a  patriot.  The 
Marquis,  unsuccessful  in  his  applications,  suspected 
that  all  was  not  right  in  Bonaparte's  professions  of 
attachment  either  to  freedom  or  himself.  Sensible 


342  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  the  obligations  which  he  owed  to  Napoleon,  he  did 
not  suffer  his  gratitude  to  blind  his  mind  or  delude  his 
heart.  Soon  as  he  heard  at  Utrecht  that  the  Direc 
tory  was  no  more,  he  made  a  decisive  stroke  to 
regain  his  privilege.  Before  the  first  Consul  could 
have  time  to  take  action  upon  his  case  ;  before  the 
joy  of  the  people  over  the  silent  guileotine  and  de 
throned  Robespierre,  could  have  subsided,  he  deter 
mined  to  appear  in  Paris  and  demand  in  person  the 
restoration  of  his  citizenship.  Arriving  at  Paris  he 
immediately  announced  his  arrival  in  the  following 
note  to  Napoleon. 

"  From  the  day  when  the  prisoners  of  Olmutz  owed 
their  liberty  to  you,  to  this,  when  the  liberty  of  my 
country  lays  me  under  still  greater  obligations  to 
you,  I  have  thought  that  the  continuance  of  my 
proscription  was  not  expedient  for  the  government, 
or  for  myself.  Accordingly,  I  am  now  in  Paris.  Be 
fore  going  into  the  country,  where  I  shall  meet  my 
family  —  before  even  seeing  my  friends  here,  I  delay 
not  a  moment  to  address  myself  to  you  ;  not  that  I 
doubt  that  I  am  in  my  appropriate  place,  wherever 
the  republic  is  founded  upon  worthy  bases,  but  because 
both  my  duty  and  my  feelings  prompt  me  to  bear 
to  you  in  person  the  expression  of  my  gratitude." 

Bonaparte  was  taken  completely  by  surprise.  The 
"  man  of  the  people "  had  outgeneralled  the  "  con 
queror  of  Italy."  He  could  not  outwardly  express  dis 
satisfaction,  for  he  had  just  sworn  to  be  faithful  to 
those  principles  which  the  whole  life  of  Lafayette  had 
illustrated.  To  refuse  the  claim  would  be  directly 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  343 

hostile  to  his  professions,  while  to  admit  it,  would  be 
to  subject  all  his  actions  to  the  surveillance  of  a 
man  whose  presence  he  feared.  In  the  first  few 
interviews  between  them,  Lafayette  and  Bonaparte 
understood  each  other  perfectly,  though  the  latter 
endeavored  to  gloss  over  his  ambitious  aspirations. 
Lafayette  abhorred  dissimulation,  and  was  perfectly 
frank  in  the  expression  of  his  opinions.  Soon  as  he 
learned  those  of  the  Consul,  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
denounce  them  to  his  face.  He  admired  Napoleon's 
military  glory,  but  shrank  with  disgust  from  the  selfish, 
lawless  passion  for  fame  that  reigned  in  the  citadel  of 
his  soul.  The  homage  which  he  felt  for  his  resplen- 
dant  genius,  did  not  so  dazzle  as  to  prevent  him  from 
discerning  his  vast  designs.  While  Lafayette's  request 
was  unanswered,  the  two  held  long  and  frequent  con 
versations  upon  the  interests  of  the  country  ;  but  no 
sooner  was  it  received  than  it  became  equally  agree 
able  to  them  both,  that  the  Marquis  should  leave 
Paris  for  the  comparative  obscurity  of  country  life. 
La  Grange,  an  inheritance  of  Madame  de  Lafayette, 
which  had  been  confiscated  during  the  Revolution, 
was  now  restored  by  order  of  the  new  government, 
to  its  original  possessors.  It  was  a  beautiful  estate, 
comprising  about  a  thousand  acres,  situated  in  the  fer 
tile  district  of  La  Brie,  about  forty  miles  east  of  Paris. 
At  this  delightful  retreat,  the  family  of  Lafayette  be 
came  once  more  united  upon  their  native  soil.  Seclu 
ding  himself  from  political  strife,  and,  with  a  spirit 
which  the  dungeons  of  Olmutz  had  not  tamed,  refu- 


344  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

sing  inflexibly  to  bow  before  imperial  authority,  he 
gave  himself  exclusively  to  the  endearments  of  domes 
tic  life,  and  the  pursuits  of  literature  and  science. 
Napoleon,  who  would  have  gained  his  adherence,  plied 
every  means  at  his  command.  He  proffered  him  the 
dignity  and  emoluments  of  a  membership  in  the  new 
Senate  which  he  was  constituting,  but  as  he  could  not 
accept  this  without  appearing  to  lend  support  to  the 
government,  it  was  resolutely  declined.  The  post  of 
ambassador  to  the  United  States  was  then  offered 
him,  but  this  he  felt  bound  to  refuse  for  very  different 
reasons.  He  felt  himself  almost  as  much  a  citizen  of 
America  as  of  France,  and  he  could  not  indulge  the 
thought  of  going  there  as  a  stranger,  to  watch  with 
a  jealous  eye  over  the  rights  of  his  own  country. 

In  1802,  he  met  at  a  dinner  party  Lord  Cornwallis, 
the  newly  appointed  British  Minister  to  France,  and 
in  reply  to  his  lordship's  queries,  he  assured  him  that 
his  attachment  to  freedom  was  firm  and  uncompro 
mising  as  ever.  The  conversation  turning  upon  Na 
poleon's  administration,  and  the  question  being  asked 
Lafayette  whether  this  was  consonant  to  his  ideas  of 
liberty,  he  boldly  replied,  that  it  was  not.  Court  spies 
were  not  long  in  carrying  this  to  Napoleon,  who  was 
enraged.  The  next  time  they  met,  he  did  not  con 
ceal  his  resentment.  "  Lord  Cornwallis  pretends," 
said  he,  "  that  you  are  not  yet  corrected." 

"  Of  what  1"  demanded  Lafayette,  "  of  my  love  of 
liberty?  What  should  disgust  me  with  that?  The 
extravagances  and  crimes  of  terrorist  tyranny  have 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  345 

only  served  to  make  me  hate  more  heartily  every 
arbitrary  regime,  and  attach  myself  more  strongly  to 
my  principles." 

"But  you  have  spoken  to  him  of  our  affairs,"  said 
the  consul,  without  concealing  his  rage. 

"  No  one  is  further  than  myself,"  replied  Lafayette, 
"  from  seeking  a  foreign  ambassador  to  censure  what 
is  passing  in  my  own  country  ;  but  if  he  ask  me  if 
this  is  liberty,  I  must  answer,  No." 

"  I  must  say  to  you,  General  Lafayette,"  said  Bo 
naparte, — "  and  I  perceive  it  with  pain,  that,  by  your 
manner  of  speaking  of  the  acts  of  the  government 
you  give  its  enemies  the  weight  of  your  name." 

"  What  more  can  I  do  ]"  was  the  firm  reply, — "  I 
live  in  the  country  in  retirement,  I  avoid  as  far  as  I 
can,  occasions  of  speaking  of  public  affairs  ;  but  when 
any  one  demands  of  me  if  your  administration  of  the 
government,  is  conformable  to  my  ideas  of  liberty,  / 
shall  say  that  it  is  not.  I  wish  to  be  prudent,  but  I  can 
not  be  false" 

The  towering  ambition  of  Napoleon,  not  content 
with  uncertain  greatness,  desired  to  have  his  office 
conferred  upon  him  for  life.  The  legislative  body 
submitted  the  question  to  the  people,  who,  dazzled  by 
the  splendor  of  Napoleon's  military  achievements, 
voted  to  sanction  this  appointment.  When  Lafayette 
was  called  upon  to  vote,  he  replied  :  "  I  cannot  vote 
for  such  a  magistracy,  until  public  liberty  has  been 
sufficiently  guaranteed.  Then  will  I  give  my  vote  to 
Napoleon  Bonaparte."  In  the  following  letter,  dated 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

La  Grange,  May  20th,   1802,   he  thus  addressed  the 
First  Consul  : 

"  GENERAL, — When  a  man,  penetrated  with  the 
gratitude  which  he  owes  you,  and  too  much  alive  to 
glory  not  to  admire  yours,  has  placed  restrictions  on 
his  suffrage,  those  restrictions  will  be  so  much  the 
less  suspected  when  it  is  known  that  none  more  than 
himself  would  delight  to  see  you  chief  magistrate  for 
life  of  a  free  republic.  The  18th  Brumaire  saved 
France,  and  I  felt  that  I  was  recalled  by  the  liberal 
professions  to  which  you  have  attached  your  honor. 
We  afterwards  beheld  in  the  consular  power  that  re 
storative  dictatorship,  which,  under  the  auspices  of 
your  genius,  has  achieved  such  great  things,  less  great, 
however,  than  will  be  the  restoration  to  liberty.  It  is 
impossible  that  you,  General,  the  first  in  that  order  of 
men,  (whom,  to  quote  and  compare  it,  would  require 
me  to  retrace  every  age  of  history,)  can  wish  that  such 
a  revolution,  so  many  victories,  so  much  blood  and 
miseries,  should  produce  to  the  world  and  to  ourselves 
no  other  results  than  an  arbitrary  system.  The 
French  people  have  too  well  known  their  rights  to 
have  entirely  forgotten  them.  But  perhaps  they  are 
better  able  to  recover  them  now  with  advantage  than 
in  the  heat  of  effervescence  ;  and  you,  by  the  power 
of  your  character  and  the  public  confidence ;  by  the 
superiority  of  your  talents,  your  situation  and  your 
fortune,  may,  by  reestablishing  liberty,  subdue  our 
dangers  and  calm  our  inquietudes.  I  have  no  other 
than  patriotic  and  personal  motives  in  wishing  foi 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  347 

you,  as  the  climax  of  our  glory,  a  permanent  magis- 
trative  post ;  but  it  is  in  unity  with  my  principles,  my 
engagements,  the  actions  of  my  whole  life,  to  as 
certain,  before  I  vote,  that  liberty  is  established  on 
bases  worthy  of  the  nation  and  of  you.  I  hope  you 
will  now  acknowledge,  General,  as  you  have  already 
had  occasion  to  do,  that  to  firmness  in  my  political 
opinions  are  joined  my  sincere  wishes  for  your  wel 
fare,  and  profound  sentiments  of  my  obligations  to 
you." 

This  memorable,  manly  and  characteristic  letter 
was  never  answered.  Napoleon  withdrew  entirely 
from  Lafayette  and  surrounded  himself  only  with 
those  advisers  who  would  have  no  scruples  in  carrying 
forward  his  plans.  All  intercourse  between  them 
was  suspended,  and  they  did  not  meet  again  till  after 
Napoleon's  sad  reverses,  in  1814,  had  taught  him 
to  feel  the  wisdom  of  those  counsels  once  rashly 
slighted. 

The  years  passed  pleasantly  by  Lafayette;  the 
world  had  not  forgotten  him,  and  by  visiting  him  in 
his  seclusion,  or  less  directly,  the  distingue  manifested 
their  appreciation  of  his  worth.  Many  of  the  British 
whigs  who  had  nobly  defended  him  in  Parliament, 
personally  paid  their  respects  to  him  at  La  Grange. 
A  number  of  his  friends  from  America  went  to  see 
him,  and  entreated  him  to  make  his  permanent  abode 
within  a  Union  cemented  in  part  by  his  own  blood. 
President  Jefferson  seconded  these  requests  and  pre 
pared  the  way  for  him  honorably  to  become  an 
American  citizen  by  offering  to  appoint  him  governor 
23 


348  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  the  newly  acquired  territory  of  Louisiana.  The 
heart  of  the  General  was  touched  by  these  tokens 
of  affection,  but  he  felt  constrained  to  remain  in 
France  as  long  as  there  was  the  slightest  hope  of  her 
political  elevation.  Though  every  thing  seemed  lost, 
yet  he  discerned  radiance  athwart  the  gloom.  As  he 
expressed  it  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Jefferson  :  "  For 
me  to  pronounce  the  sentence  ;  to  proclaim  it,  as  it 
were,  by  a  final  expatriation,  would  be  a  concession 
so  contrary  to  my  sanguine  nature,  that  unless  I  were 
absolutely  forced,  I  know  not  the  land,  however  dis 
advantageous,  and  still  less  can  I  imagine  the  hope, 
however  unpromising,  which  I  could  totally  and 
irrevocably  abandon." 

But  the  tranquillity  of  La  Grange  was  mournfully 
interrupted.  A  terrible  calamity,  in  1807,  fell  with 
desolating  weight  upon  that  household.  During  the 
barbarous  confinement  in  Austria,  the  constitution  of 
Madame  de  Lafayette  had  received  a  shock  which  it 
could  not  bear.  Disease,  slow  but  certain,  had  fas 
tened  upon  her  frame  and  hastened  her  to  the  grave. 
The  raptures  of  re-union  could  not  divert,  though  they 
cheered,  her  pathway  to  the  tomb.  Lafayette  saw 
her  cheek  paling;  her  eye  growing  dim;  her  step 
becoming  less  elastic ;  and  the  thought  which  these 
warnings  awakened  was  one  of  agony.  On  the  24th 
of  December  she  gave  him  her  last  smile,  and 
breathing  a  prayer  that  he  might  have  "the  peace 
of  God,"  she  closed  her  eyes  in  death's  gentlest 
slumber.  "  She  died,"  says  Mr.  de  Segur,  "  sur 
rounded  by  a  numerous  family,  who  offered  up  ardent 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  349 

prayers  to  heaven  for  her  preservation.  When  unable 
to  articulate,  a  smile  played  upon  her  lips  at  the 
sight  of  her  husband  and  children,  who  bathed  her 
death-bed  with  tears.  Devoted  to  her  domestic  duties, 
which  were  her  only  pleasure  ;  adorned  by  every 
virtue  ;  pious,  modest,  charitable,  severe  to  herself, 
indulgent  to  others,  she  was  one  of  the  few  whose 
pure  reputation  has  received  fresh  luster  from  the 
misfortunes  of  the  Revolution.  Though  ruine'd  by 
our  political  storm,  yet  she  scarcely  seemed  to  re 
collect  that  she  had  ever  enjoyed  ample  fortune.  She 
was  the  happiness  of  her  family,  the  friend  of  the 
poor,  the  consoler  of  the  afflicted,  an  ornament  to  her 
country,  and  an  honor  to  her  sex." 

The  emotions  which  tossed  the  heart  of  Lafayette 
under  this  bereavement,  he  himself  has  partially  ex 
pressed  in  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  to 
his  friend  Masclet.  "I  willingly  admit,"  says  he, 
"  that  under  great  misfortune,  I  have  felt  myself  su 
perior  to  the  situation  in  which  my  friends  had  the 
kindness  to  sympathize ;  but  at  present,  1  have  neither 
the  power  nor  the  wish  to  struggle  against  the  ca 
lamity  which  has  befallen  me,  or  rather,  to  surmount 
the  deep  affliction  which  I  shall  carry  with  me  to  the 
grave.  It  will  be  mingled  with  the  sweetest  re 
collections  of  the  thirty-four  years,  during  which  I  was 
bound  by  the  tenderest  ties  that,  perhaps,  ever  existed, 
and  with  the  thought  of  her  last  moments,  in  which 
she  heaped  upon  me  such  proofs  of  her  incomparable 
affection.  I  cannot  describe  the  happiness  which,  in 
the  midst  of  so  many  vicissitudes  and  troubles,  I  hav 


350  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

constantly  derived  from  the  tender,  noble  and  gen 
erous  feeling,  ever  associated  to  the  interests  which 
gave  animation  to  my  existence." 

These  feelings  were  perennial.  The  widowhood 
of  his  heart  was  no  transient  thing ;  it  darkened  the 
world  till  he  sank  to  rest.  "  One  day  during  his  last 
illness,"  writes  a  constant  attendant  upon  him,  "I 
•surprised  him  kissing  her  portrait,  which  he  always 
wore  suspended  to  his  neck  in  a  small  gold  medallion. 
Around  the  portrait  were  the  words,  *  I  am  yours/ 
and  on  the  back  was  engraved  this  short  and  touching 
inscription:  'I  was  then  a  gentle  companion  to  you! 
— in  that  case — bless  me.'  ' 

In  the  year  1814  passed  another  act  in  the  rapidly 
shifting  drama  of  French  politics.  The  ruling  dynasty 
was  changed.  The  allied  powers  of  Europe  had 
broken  the  rod  of  Napoleon,  and  banished  him  to 
Elba,  while  Louis  XVIII.  was  seated  upon  the  throne 
of  his  fathers.  Amid  these  excitements  Lafayette 
stood  a  reserved  but  not  unobservant  spectator.  He 
did  not  regret  the  fall  of  Bonaparte,  for  he  had  seen 
him  striding  rapidly  forward  to  an  uncompromising 
despotism.  He  did  not  rejoice  in  the  elevation  of 
Louis,  for  this  only  brought  upon  the  stage  again  the 
old  evils  of  Jacobinism,  from  which  he  and  the  nation 
had  already  suffered  so  frightfully.  The  fact,  that 
Louis  derived  his  power  and  was  maintained  in  his 
position  by  the  enemies  of  the  realm,  was  especially 
repugnant.  During  the  brief  reign  of  this  monarch, 
Lafayette  appeared  once  at  court,  and  though  gra 
ciously  received  by  the  King,  he  retired  to  La  Grange 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  351 

and  did  not  repeat  the  visit.  He  could  do  nothing 
for  France,  and  his  only  course  was  to  mark  the  tide 
of  affairs ;  persuaded  that  republican  principles  would 
yet  have  a  glorious  resurrection. 

Louis  XVIII.  remained  in  possession  of  his  throne 
for  scarcely  eleven  months.  The  "  man  of  destiny" 
had  not  yet  fulfilled  his  prescribed  career.  In  the 
month  of  February,  1815,  he  contrived  to  elude  the 
vigilant  watch  at  Elba,  and  on  the  first  of  March  he 
landed  upon  the  shores  of  France.  From  Cannes, 
where  he  first  planted  his  foot,  the  news  of  his  arri 
val  spread  as  on  lightening  wing,  awakening  the  min 
gled  emotions  of  gladness  and  consternation,  With 
scarcely  a  thousand  soldiers,  he  started  for  Paris,  con 
fident  that  he  should  be  able  to  drive  his  rival  from 
the  throne,  and  take  again  the  scepter.  His  march 
was  a  triumph.  Bands  of  men,  actuated  by  the  en 
thusiasm  which  he  could  inspire  at  will,  flocked  to  his 
standard.  The  force  sent  out  to  oppose  his  progress, 
joined  his  ranks,  with  the  hearty  shout  "  vive  Vempe- 
reur."  Marshal  Ney,  "the  bravest  of  the  brave," 
with  all  the  troops  under  his  command,  hastened  to 
swell  his  army.  Grenoble  and  Lyons  opened  their 
gates  at  his  approach,  while  with  victorious  and  rapid 
strides,  the  exiled  Emperor  neared  the  walls  of  Paris. 
Louis  heard  of  his  approach  at  first  with  amazement, 
and  then  with  despair.  One  by  one,  he  saw  the 
props  on  which  he  had  relied,  sinking  away  from  be 
neath  him,  until  before  the  18th  of  March,  his  last 
army  had  yielded  to  the  magic  of  Napoleon's  pre 
sence,  and  he  found  himself  alone.  His  only  resource 


352  UFE  OF  GENERAL 

was  in  flight,  and  on  the  20th  of  March  he  forsook 
the  capital,  which  was  immediately  entered  by  Napo 
leon,  who,  assuming  the  reins,  recommenced  his  im 
perial  reign. 

Lafayette  could  not  interfere,  but  looked  on  with 
absorbing  interest.  He  was  not  unnoticed  by  the 
Emperor.  Napoleon  knew  that  power  regained, 
might  be  wrested  from  his  grasp,  unless  its  founda 
tions  were  laid  more  broadly  in  concessions  which 
the  progressive  democratic  principle  demanded.  He 
accordingly  gave  his  pledges,  and  then  sent  his  bro 
ther  Joseph  to  sound  Lafayette,  and  secure  his  alle 
giance.  Honors  were  offered  him  ; — all  the  dignity 
that  Bonaparte  could  bestow  was  laid  at  his  feet,  but 
he  refused  to  compromise  principle,  or  attach  himself 
to  the  fortunes  of  the  Corsican.  An  hereditary  peer 
age  was  reestablished  by  Napoleon,  and  Lafayette 
pressed  to  take  his  seat  as  a  member,  with  the  inti 
mation  that  his  name  was  first  on  the  list  of  peers. 
His  reply  to  the  ex-king  of  Spain,  who  had  urged 
this,  was  significant : — "  Should  I  ever  again  appear 
on  the  scene  of  public  life,"  said  he,  "  IT  CAN  ONLY  BE 

AS  A  REPRESENTATIVE  OF  THE    PEOPLE."       The  peerage 

was  refused,  and  Lafayette,  urged  by  the  inhabitants 
of  his  district,  accepted  the  appointment  as  their  re 
presentative  to  the  elective  body,  instituted  to  sit  in 
connection  with  the  peers. 

In  this  capacity  he  appeared  before  his  country, 
ready  to  show  forth  the  same  immutability  of  inte 
grity,  and  the  same  energy  "  as  was  possessed  by  him 
to  whom  America  raised  statues  ere  manhood  had 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  358 

shed  its  down  upon  his  cheek; — to  whom  the  mili 
tary  spirit  of  France  devoted  a  sword  of  victory, 
formed  out  of  the  dungeon  bars  of  the  Bastile  which 
he  had  broken.  As  a  member  of  the  chamber  of 
deputies,  he  exhibited  to  his  country  a  bright,  untar 
nished  model  of  the  true,  pure,  incorruptible  constitu 
tionalists  of  1789,  whose  views  for  the  liberty  and 
happiness  of  their  country  had  been  successively  and 
effectually  frustrated,  by  the  sordid  selfishness  of  an 
tiquated  privilege,  by  the  factious  intrigues  of  sangui 
nary  democracy, —  and  by  the  aspiring  views  of  bold, 
boundless  and  despotic  ambition." 

His  course  in  the  chamber  during  the  first  stage  of 
his  renewed  appearance  there,  was  very  unobtrusive. 
He  sought  no  prominence,  either  to  favor  or  oppose 
any  new  measure.  He  considered  France  invaded, 
and  as  a  good  citizen,  voted  for  all  the  supplies  need 
ful  for  defense  ;  but  in  no  way  implicated  himself  in 
Bonaparte's  gigantic  designs.  It  was  not  till  after  the 
overthrow  at  Waterloo,  that  his  voice  was  heard  from 
the  tribune,  expressing  sentiments  which  had  not  been 
breathed  in  that  place,  since  they  had  fallen  from 
his  own  lips  twenty  years  before.  He  insisted  that 
Napoleon  should  abdicate,  but  indulged  in  no  invec 
tives,  and  uttered  no  reproaches  upon  fallen  greatness. 
In  all  the  mortifying  scenes  through  which  the  Em 
peror  was  now  compelled  to  move,  Lafayette  treated 
him  with  generous  sympathy  and  kindness.  He  sti 
pulated  in  the  Assembly  that  the  liberty  and  life  of 
Napoleon  should  be  guaranteed  by  the  nation,  and 
endeavored  to  obtain  for  him  two  frigates  to  conduct 


354        ,  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

him  safely  to  the  United  States  before  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  allies  ;  but  it  was  too  late.  Napoleon's 
star  of  destiny  was  declining,  yet  his  heart  was 
touched  by  the  attentions  of  him  from  whom  he  had 
least  expected  them. 

After  the  fate  of  Napoleon  was  sealed,  Louis  XVIII. 
was  again  forced  by  the  allies  upon  the  French,  con 
trary  to  the  wishes  both  of  Lafayette  and  themselves. 
Resistance  was  however  impossible,  for  a  million  of 
foreign  bayonets  environed  him,  and  Lafayette  again 
returned  to  La  Grange.  His  retirement  continued 
unbroken  for  four  years,  when,  in  1819,  he  was  elec 
ted  to  the  chamber  of  deputies,  from  the  departments 
of  La  Sarthe  and  Meaux.  The  King  had  manifested 
that  steady  encroachment  upon  the  rights  of  the  peo 
ple  characteristic  of  the  Bourbons,  and  Lafayette  op 
posed  the  arrogance  of  Louis.  He  attacked  despotic 
claims  with  a  freedom  of  speech  that  went  to  the  pa 
lace.  The  minions  of  the  King  were  resolved  to 
crush  him.  They  hoped  to  find  him  guilty  of  con 
spiracy  ;  they  watched  his  words  for  a  traitorous 
meaning  ;  but  he  continued  hurling  his  fulminations 
against  tyranny,  utterly  regardless  of  the  conse 
quences  to  himself.  The  King  bore  it  awhile,  but 
patience  was  never  a  Bourbon  virtue,  and  Louis 
XVIII.  certainly  did  not  excel  his  predecessors  in 
this  particular.  In  1 823  he  ordered  his  Solicitor  Ge 
neral  to  accuse  Lafayette  of  treason.  The  charge 
was  publicly  made  in  the  chamber  of  deputies,  and, 
for  a  few  minutes,  was  received  with  profound  silence 
by  that  body.  At  length  Lafayette  slowly  arose,  and 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  355 

with  perfect  self-possession,  took  his  stand  upon  the 
tribune.  For  a  moment  he  said  nothing,  but  with 
his  arms  folded  across  his  manly  breast,  he  coolly  sur 
veyed  the  assembly.  Then,  with  composure  and 
without  denying  the  charge,  he  said: — "In  spite  of 
my  habitual  indifference  to  party  accusations  and  ani 
mosities,  I  still  think  myself  bound  to  say  a  single 
word  upon  this  occasion.  During  the  whole  course 
of  a  life  entirely  devoted  to  liberty,  I  have  constantly 
been  an  object  of  attack  to  the  enemies  of  that  cause, 
under  whatever  form,  despotic,  aristocratic,  or  an 
archic,  they  have  endeavored  to  combat  it.  I  do  not 
complain,  then,  because  I  observe  some  affectation  in 
the  use  of  the  word  proved,  which  the  Solicitor  Ge 
neral  has  employed  against  me ;  but  I  join  my 
honored  friends  in  demanding  a  public  inquiry,  within 
the  walls  of  this  chamber,  and  in  the  face  of  the  na 
tion.  Then,  I  and  my  adversaries,  to  whatever  rank 
they  belong,  may  declare,  without  reserve,  all  that 
we  have  mutually  had  to  reproach  each  other  with, 
for  the  last  thirty  years." 

From  such  a  challenge  his  accusers  recoiled  and 
none  was  willing  to  accept  it.  They  loved  darkness 
rather  than  light.  The  charge  melted  speedily  away 
before  the  threatening  aspect  of  a  public  inquisition. 
Lafayette  was  acquitted,  but  the  government,  by  bri 
bery  and  intrigues,  defeated  his  reelection.  He  was 
at  length  prepared  for  his  contemplated  project  of 
revisiting  America.  France  and  the  United  States 
were  at  peace ;  he  was  free  from  any  extraordinary 
care ;  and  his  waning  years  reminded  him  that  his 


356  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

voyage  must  be  speedily,  if  ever,  accomplished.  He 
had  struggled  to  establish  a  republic  upon  both  con 
tinents  ;  foiled  at  home,  he  yearned  to  repose  under 
the  goodly  tree  which  he  had  planted  and  watered 
abroad ;  whose  boughs  were  waving  broad  and  high 
in  the  sunlight  of  human  well-being.  Universal  joy 
spread  over  America  at  the  intelligence.  President 
Monroe  promply  wrote  him,  offering  to  place  a  na 
tional  frigate  at  his  service  to  convey  him  to  the 
United  States.  He  no  longer  hesitated,  and  declining 
Mr.  Monroe's  offer,  he  set  sail  from  Havre,  on  the 
12th  of  July,  1824,  in  an  American  merchantman, 
accompanied  by  his  son  George  Washington,  and  his 
private  secretary  Mr.  Levasseur.  The  citizens  of 
Havre  were  prepared  to  give  a  public  demonstration 
of  their  admiration  of  Lafayette,  but  the  government 
had  ordered  its  police  to  stop  it  and  repress  any  signs 
of  respect  by  the  immense  multitude  assembled  to 
witness  his  embarkation.  But  three  hearty  cheers 
broke  spontaneously  from  the  host,  as  the  sails  of  the 
Cadmus  were  spread,  and  the  wind  bore  the  vessel 
from  port. 

On  the  15th  of  August,  the  Cadmus  arrived  in  the 
harbor  of  New  York,  after  a  pleasant  passage  of  thir 
ty-one  days.  It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath ; 
and,  with  a  becoming  respect  for  the  sacredness  of  the 
day,  he  accepted  the  invitation  of  Vice  President 
Tompkins  to  land  upon  Staten  Island,  and  remain  at 
his  mansion  till  the  following  day.  With  unutterable 
emotion  he  set  his  feet  upon  the  freest  soil  in  the 
world,  endeared  by  grand  and  touching  memories. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  357 

It  was  a  rich  draught  of  pleasure,  and  all  the  mag 
nificence  of  his  reception  afterwards  did  not  augment 
the  gladness  of  this  first  moment  of  his  landing. 

The  arrangements  for  his  reception  in  the  city  were 
ample ;  and  early  on  Monday  morning  salutes  were 
fired,  and  the  bells  commenced  ringing  their  glad 
peals  of  welcome.  The  whole  town  was  alive  with 
expectation,  and  soon  the  bay,  from  New  York  to 
Staten  Island,  was  covered  with  boats  anxious  to 
catch  the  first  sight  of  the  nation's  guest.  At  nine 
o1clock  in  the  morning,  the  committee  appointed  by 
the  Corporation,  the  Officers  of  the  Army  and  Navy, 
the  Major-Generals  and  the  Brigadier-Generals  of  the 
Militia,  the  President  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
and  the  committee  from  the  Society  of  Cincinnati, 
set  out  to  escort  him  to  the  city.  All  the  steamboats 
proffered  their  services  to  accompany  the  escort, 
magnificently  dressed  for  the  occasion,  with  flags  and 
streamers  of  every  land,  they  presented  a  pageant 
new  and  altogether  imposing.  The  Battery  was 
crowded  with  spectators ;  Castle  Garden  was  filled, 
and  every  boat  that  arrived  to  take  its  station  teemed 
with  excited  throngs.  Amid  the  display  of  the  scene, 
the  steamboat  Chancellor  Livingston,  which  was  to 
receive  the  Marquis,  presented  a  singular  appearance  ; 
her  only  decoration  being  the  flag  of  the  United 
States  and  that  of  New  York.  This  was  a  delicate 
compliment  to  Lafayette.  He  needed  not  the  orna 
ments  of  tinselled  splendor.  He  was  received  with 
military  honors  ;  but  the  wild  huzza,  which  rose  from 
thousands  when  he  stepped  on  board,  drowned  the 
music  and  the  roar  of  cannon.  Among  the  company 


358  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

on  board  were  several  revolutionary  soldiers,  who  had 
been  by  his  side  in  the  smoke  of  battle,  and  forgetful 
of  ceremony  they  rushed  forward  to  embrace  their 
old  companion  in  arms.  The  greeting  was  equally 
warm  with  him,  and  tears  fell  from  "  eyes  unused  to 
weep,"  while  those  veterens  were  embracing.  Just 
then,  the  bands,  which  had  been  playing,  "See  the 
conquering  hero  comes,"  struck  into  the  favorite 
French  air,  "  Ou  peut-on  etre  mieux  qv?au  sein  de  sa 
famille"*  and  the  immense  flotilla  moved  forward. 
Far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  the  venerable  Marquis 
saw  joyful  faces,  and  heard  the  acclamations  of  the 
two  hundred  thousand  participants  of  that  gala  day. 

Landing  at  the  Battery,  he  entered  Castle  Garden, 
and  partook  of  refreshments  provided,  and  then  ta 
king  his  set  with  General  Morton,  in  an  elegant 
barouche,  drawn  by  four  white  horses,  a  way  was 
slowly  opened  through  the  multitude,  to  the  City 
Hall.  All  along  Broadway  the  pavements,  the  roofs 
and  windows,  were  crowded  by  a  dense  assemblage, 
among  whom  the  eye  of  the  illustrious  visiter  rested 
upon  no  sorrowful  face. 

At  the  City  Hall  he  was  appropriately  welcomed 
by  the  Mayor,  and  then  received  the  congratulations 
of  distinguished  citizens,  who  pressed  forward  to  offer 
their  salutation.  Now  and  then,  one  of  his  former 
comrades  would  press  through  the  crowd,  and  grasp 
ing  his  hand,  give  by  his  flowing  tears  a  welcome 
which  his  faltering  tongue  refused  to  speak. 

For  four  days  he  remained  in  New  York  ;    on  the 

•"Where  can  one  be  better  than  in  the  bosom  of  his  family." 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  359 

20th,  he  left  for  Boston,  attended  by  a  large  concourse 
of  citizens,  who  thronged  his  way  for  miles.  His 
course  was  along  Long  Island  Sound,  and  his  recep 
tion  by  the  different  towns  on  the  southern  borders 
of  Connecticut,  was  evidence  of  the  general  enthusi 
asm  awakened  by  his  arrival.  At  Fairfield,  an  ele 
gant  table  was  prepared  at  the  Hotel,  by  the  young 
ladies  of  the  town,  who  gained  great  honor  by  the 
manner  in  which  it  had  been  prepared.  "  The  deco 
rations  of  the  table  were  planned  on  a  style  of  the 
greatest  elegance  ;  the  dishes  were  quite  enveloped 
with  evergreens  and  scattering  flowers  ;  and  the  due 
proportions  were  observed  in  the  succession  of  viands, 
as  well  as  in  the  harmony  and  contrast  of  colors, 
which  maintained  a  kind  of  silent  correspondence, 
from  the  opposite  sides  of  a  splendid  cone  that  occupied 
the  center.  On  taking  their  seats  at  the  table,  the 
guests  might  have  supposed  themselves  invited  to  a 
feast  of  wreaths  and  flowers,  studded  with  the  *  crim 
son  hail'  of  winter  greens,  cranberries  and  amare 
dulcis.  The  table  was  like  the  bed  of  some  fairy's 
enchanted  garden,  so  entirely  did  the  decorations 
overshadow  and  conceal  the  rich  collation  beneath. 
When  this  verdant  veil  was  removed,  the  scene  was 
changed  as  suddenly  as  at  the  dissolving  of  a  spell, 
and  the  company  could  not  repress  their  surprise. 
The  General  expressed  his  gratification  at  this  speci 
men  of  female  taste,  and  regretted  that  it  should  be 
so  quickly  destroyed,  to  gratify  that  of  the  gentlemen." 
On  the  24th,  he  reached  Boston,  where  his  recep 
tion  was  exceedingly  brilliant.  Under  the  shadow 


S60  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

of  Bunker  Hill  and  Faneuil  Hall,  his  soul  kindled 
with  the  fire  which  burned  nearly  half  a  century 
before. 

Such  was  the  uniformly  splendid  reception,  that  to 
have  described  one  scene,  will  be  to  have  pictured  all. 
He  traveled  most  of  the  country,  and  with  daily  in 
creasing  pleasure,  saw  evidences  of  thrift  and  pros 
perity.  In  the  southern  and  western  portion  of  the 
country,  he  went  over  an  area  of  over  3000  miles  in 
extent,  which  was  a  pathless  desert  when  he  last 
visited  the  new  world,  but  which  now  displayed  to 
his  astonished  vision,  nine  new  states,  from  whose 
flourishing  towns  a  free,  virtuous,  and  intelligent  peo 
ple,  poured  forth  to  invoke  blessings  on  his  head. 
Every  new  city,  every  improvement  that  he  wit 
nessed,  every  indication  of  advancing  greatness,  was 
testimony  to  the  wisdom  and  purity  of  his  youthful 
choice.  His  mind  often  went  back  to  scenes  of  early 
hardship,  and  as  he  contrasted  them  with  the  bright 
ness  of  the  present,  he  rejoiced  in  the  harvest,  a  thou 
sand  fold,  upon  the  bloody  sowing.  His  visit  was 
during  an  excited  Presidential  contest,  when  the 
friends  of  Adams,  Jackson,  Clay  and  Crawford,  were 
in  the  field,  and  the  country  was  in  a  flame  of  party 
strife.  Few  elections  have  been  more  warmly  fought, 
and  he  looked  on  a  passive,  but  deeply  interested, 
observer.  He  beheld  the  elements  of  order ;  the 
law  and  the  constitution  exerted  their  silent  autho 
rity.  The  same  men  who  to-day,  in  party  hostility 
met  like  foes,  to-morrow  would  mingle  their  congra 
tulations.  It  was  a  spectacle  which  made  him  sigh 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  361 

over  the  scenes  of  the  Old  World.  It  was  a  beauti 
ful  exhibition  of  the  practical  workings  of  principles 
which  his  benevolence  would  have  scattered  around 
the  globe. 

It  is  often  said  that  republics  are  ungrateful,  but 
the  United  States  have  given  a  bright  exception  to 
this  charge.  Congress  bestowed  upon  him  two  hun 
dred  thousand  dollars,  and  a  township  of  land,  as  a 
partial  testimony  to  the  value  of  his  Revolutionary 
services. 

His  reception  by  Congress  was  peculiarly  gratify 
ing.  The  first  act  passed  by  it  after  organization, 
was  one  of  public  welcome  to  him.  A  committee  of 
twenty-four  members,  was  appointed  to  wait  upon 
the  General,  and  invite  him  to  visit  Congress  upon 
such  a  day  as  he  might  choose  to  designate.  On  the 
day  appointed,  he  entered  the  Hall  of  Representa 
tives,  which  had  been  tastefully  decorated,  where  the 
Senators  and  Members  of  the  House  had  assembled 
to  receive  him.  Every  one  rose  on  his  entry,  and 
remained  standing  while  the  rich  tones  of  Mr.  Clay, 
the  Speaker  of  the  House,  pronounced  the  following 
eloquent  address  : — 

"GENERAL,  —  The  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
United  States,  impelled  alike  by  its  own  feelings,  and 
by  those  of  the  whole  American  people,  could  not 
have  assigned  to  me  a  more  gratifying  duty,  than  that 
of  being  its  organ  to  present  to  you  cordial  congra 
tulations  upon  the  occasion  of  your  recent  arrival  in 
the  United  States,  in  compliance  with  the  wishes  of 

Congress,  and   to  assure   you  of  the   very  high   satis- 
16 


362  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

faction  which  your  presence  affords  on  this  early 
theater  of  your  glory  and  renown.  Although  but 
few  of  the  members  who  compose  this  body,  shared 
with  you  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  all  have  a 
knowledge  from  impartial  history,  or  from  faithful 
tradition,  of  the  perils,  the  sufferings,  and  the  sacri 
fices,  which  you  have  voluntarily  encountered,  and 
the  signal  services,  in  America  and  in  Europe,  which 
you  performed  for  an  infant,  a  distant,  and  an  alien 
people  ;  and  all  feel,  and  own,  the  very  great  ex 
tent  of  the  obligations  under  which  you  have  placed 
our  country.  But  the  relations  in  which  you  have 
ever  stood  to  the  United  States,  interesting  and  im 
portant  as  they  have  been,  do  not  constitute  the  only 
motive  of  the  respect  and  admiration  which  this 
House  entertains  for  you.  Your  consistency  of  cha 
racter,  your  uniform  devotion  to  regulated  liberty,  in 
all  the  vicissitudes  of  a  long  and  arduous  life,  also 
commands  its  highest  admiration.  During  all  the  re 
cent  convulsions  of  Europe,  amidst,  as  after  the  dis 
persion  of,  every  political  storm,  the  people  of  the 
United  States  have  ever  beheld  you  true  to  your  old 
principles,  firm  and  erect,  cheering  and  animating, 
with  your  well  known  voice,  the  votaries  of  liberty, 
its  faithful  and  fearless  champion,  ready  to  shed  the 
last  drop  of  that  blood,  which  here  you  so  freely  and 
nobly  spilt  in  the  same  holy  cause. 

"  The  vain  wish  has  been  sometimes  indulged,  that 
Providence  would  allowr  the  Patriot,  after  death,  to 
return  to  his  country,  and  to  contemplate  the  inter 
mediate  changes  which  had  taken  place — to  view  the 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  363 

the  forests  felled,  the  cities  built,  the  mountains 
leveled,  the  canals  cut,  the  highways  constructed, 
the  progress  of  the  arts,  the  advancement  of  learning, 
and  the  increase  of  population.  General,  your  pre 
sent  visit  to  the  United  States  is  the  realization  of 
the  consoling  object  of  that  wish.  You  are  in  the 
midst  of  posterity!  Every  where  you  must  have 
been  struck  with  the  great  changes,  physical  and  mo 
ral,  which  have  occurred  since  you  left  us.  Even 
this  very  city,  bearing  a  venerated  name,  alike  en 
deared  to  you  and  to  us,  has  since  emerged  from  the 
forest  which  then  covered  its  site.  In  one  respect, 
you  behold  us  unaltered,  and  that  is  in  this  sentiment 
of  continued  devotion  to  liberty,  and  of  ardent  affec 
tion  and  profound  gratitude  to  your  departed  friend, 
the  Father  of  his  country,  and  to  your  illustrious 
associates,  in  the  field  and  in  the  cabinet,  for  the  mul 
tiplied  blessings  which  surround  us,  and  for  the  very 
privilege  of  addressing  you,  which  I  now  exercise. 
This  sentiment,  now  fondly  cherished  by  more  than 
ten  millions  of  people,  will  be  transmitted,  with  un 
abated  vigor,  down  the  tide  of  time,  through  the 
countless  millions  who  are  destined  to  inhabit  this 
continent,  to  the  latest  posterity." 

The  reply  of  Lafayette  was  full  of  feeling.  Said 
he:— 

"MR.  SPEAKER,  —  While  the  people  of  the  United 
States,  and  their  honorable  Representatives  in  Con 
gress,  have  deigned  to  make  choice  of  me,  one  of  the 
American  veterans,  to  signify  in  his  person,  their 

esteem   for  our   joint  services  and   their  attachment 
24 


364  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

to  the  principles  for  which  we  have  had  the  honor  to 
fight  and  bleed,  I  am  proud  and  happy  to  share  those 
extraordinary  favors  with  my  dear  revolutionary  com 
panions —  yet,  it  would  be,  on  my  part,  uncandid  and 
ungrateful  not  to  acknowledge  my  personal  share 
in  those  ,  testimonies  of  kindness,  as  they  excite  in 
my  breast  emotions  which  no  words  could  adequately 
express. 

"  My  obligations  to  the  United  States,  sir,  far  ex 
ceed  any  merit  I  might  claim.  They  date  from  the 
time  when  I  had  the  happiness  to  be  adopted  as  a 
young  soldier,  a  favored  son  of  America.  They  have 
been  continued  to  me  during  almost  half  a  century 
of  constant  affection  and  confidence,  and  now,  sir, 
thanks  to  your  most  gratifying  invitation,  I  find  my 
self  greeted  by  a  series  of  welcomes,  one  hour  of 
which  would  more  than  compensate  for  the  public 
exertions  and  sufferings  of  a  whole  life. 

"  The  approbation  of  the  American  people  and 
their  Representatives,  for  my  conduct  during  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  European  Revolution,  is  the  high 
est  reward  I  could  receive.  Well  may  I  stand  '  firm 
and  erect,'  when,  in  their  names,  and  by  you,  Mr. 
Speaker,  I  am  declared  to  have,  in  every  instance, 
been  faithful  to  those  American  principles  of  liberty, 
equality  and  true  social  order,  the  devotion  to  which, 
as  it  has  been  from  my  earliest  youth,  so  shall  it  con 
tinue  to  be  to  my  latest  breath. 

"  You  have  been  pleased  to  allude,  Mr.  Speaker, 
to  the  peculiar  felicity  of  my  situation,  when,  after 
so  long  an  absence,  I  am  called  to  witness  the  im- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  365 

mense  improvements,  the  admirable  communications, 
the  prodigious  creations  of  which  we  find  an  example 
in  this  city,  whose  name  itself  is  a  venerated  palla 
dium  ;  in  a  word,  all  the  grandeur  and  prosperity  of 
these  happy  United  States,  which,  at  the  same  time 
they  nobly  secure  the  complete  assertion  of  American 
Independence,  reflect  on  every  part  of  the  world  the 
light  of  a  far  superior  political  civilization. 

"What  better  pledge  can  be  given  of  a  perseve 
ring  national  love  of  liberty,  when  those  blessings 
are  evidenlty  the  result  of  a  virtuous  resistance  to 
oppression  and  the  institutions  founded  on  the  rights 
of  man  and  the  Republican  principal  of  self-govern 
ment.  No,  Mr.  Speaker,  posterity  has  not  begun  for 
me  —  since  in  the  sons  of  my  companions  and  friends, 
]  find  the  same  public  feelings,  and  permit  me  to  add, 
the  same  feelings  in  my  behalf,  which  I  have  had  the 
happiness  to  experience  in  their  fathers. 

"  Sir,  I  have  been  allowed,  forty  years  ago,  before 
a  Committee  of  a  Congress  of  thirteen  States,  to  ex 
press  the  fond  wishes  of  an  American  heart.  On  this 
day  I  have  the  honor,  and  enjoy  the  delight,  to  con 
gratulate  the  Representatives  of  the  Union,  so  vastly 
enlarged,  on  the  realization  of  those  wishes,  even 
beyond  every  human  expectation,  and  upon  the 
almost  infinite  prospects  we  can  with  certainty  antici 
pate. 

"  Permit  me,  Mr.  Speaker,  and  Gentlemen,  to  join, 
to  the  expression  of  those  sentiments,  a  tribute  of  my 
lively  gratitude,  affectionate  devotion,  and  profound 
respect." 


366  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

The  House  of  Representatives  then  adjourned,  and 
the  Speaker  descended  from  his  chair,  and  gave  his 
hand  affectionately  to  the  a^hated  veteran.  The 
members  gathered  round,  and,  a^  one  by  one  they 
gave  their  greeting,  Lafayette  feh,  that  amid  all 
the  triumphs  he  had  enjoyed,  none  had  surpassed 
this.  A  scene  as  impressive  occurred  in  the  Senate 
chamber. 

Among  the  incidents  of  Lafayette's  tour,  was  his 
visit  to  the  tomb  of  Washington,  which  is  thus  de 
scribed  by  his  private  secretary  and  constant  atten 
dant  : — 

"  Leaving  Washington  and  descending  the  Potomac, 
after  a  voyage  of  two  hours,  the  guns  of  fort  Wash 
ing  announced  that  we  were  approaching  the  last 
abode  of  the  Father  of  his  country.  At  this  solemn 
signal,  to  which  the  military  band  accompanying  us 
responded  by  plaintive  strains,  we  went  on  deck  and 
the  venerable  soil  of  Mt.  Vernon  was  before  us ;  at 
this  view  an  involuntary  and  spontaneous  movement 
made  us  kneel.  We  landed  in  boats  and  trod  upon 
the  ground  so  often  worn  by  the  feet  of  Washington. 
A  carriage  received  General  Lafayette,  and  the  other 
visitors  silently  ascended  the  precipitous  path  which 
conducted  to  the  solitary  habitation  of  Mt.  Vernon. 

"  Three  nephews  of  General  Washington  took  La 
fayette,  his  son,  and  myself,  to  conduct  us  to  the  tomb 
of  their  uncle ;  our  numerous  companions  remained 
in  the  house ;  in  a  few  minutes  after,  the  cannon  of 
the  fort,  thundering  anew,  announced  that  LAFAYETTE 
rendered  homage  to  the  ashes  of  WASHINGTON.  Sim- 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  367 

pie  and  modest  as  he  was  during  life,  the  tomb  of 
the  citizen  hero  is  scarcely  perceived  amid  the  sombre 
cypresses  by  which  it  is  surrounded.  A  vault  slightly 
elevated  and  sodded  over,  a  wooden  door  without 
inscriptions,  some  withered  and  some  green  garlands, 
indicate,  to  the  traveler  who  visits  this  spot,  the  place 
where  rest  in  peace  the  puissant  arms  which  broke 
the  chains  of  his  country.  As  we  approached,  the 
door  was  opened  ;  Lafayette  descended  alone  into  the 
vault,  and  a  few  minutes  after  re-appeared  with  his 
eyes  overflowing  with  tears.  He  took  his  son  and  me 
by  the  hand  and  led  us  into  the  tomb,  where  by  a 
sign  he  indicated  the  coffin  of  his  paternal  friend, 
alongside  of  which  was  that  of  his  companion  in  life, 
united  to  him  in  the  grave.  We  knelt  reverently 
near  his  coffin,  which  we  respectfully  saluted  with 
our  lips,  and  rising  threw  ourselves  into  the  arms 
of  Lafayette  and  mingled  our  tears  with  his." 

The  year,  which  he  had  allotted  for  his  visit,  passed 
rapidly  by  in  well  nigh  uninterrupted  festivity  and 
rejoicing.  But  such  scenes  could  not  last  forever, 
and  on  the  6th  of  September,  1825,  the  anniversary 
of  his  birth  day,  Lafayette  enjoyed  his  last  fete  in 
America.  This  was  at  the  house  of  President  Adams, 
in  Washington,  and  on  the  following  day,  "the  old 
man  eloquent,"  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse 
of  citizens,  made  the  farewell  address  in  the  name 
of  the  American  people  and  government.  The  clo 
sing  part  of  this  was  in  the  following  highly  finished 
strain. 

"  The  ship  is  now  prepared  for  your  reception,  and 


368  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

equipped  for  sea.  From  the  moment  of  her  departure* 
the  prayers  of  millions  will  ascend  to  heaven  that  her 
passage  may  be  prosperous,  and  your  return  to  the 
bosom  of  your  family  as  propitious  to  your  happiness, 
as  your  visit  to  this  scene  of  your  youthful  glory  has 
been  to  that  of  the  American  people. 

"Go,  then,  our  beloved  friend  —  return  to  the  land 
of  brilliant  genius,  of  generous  sentiment,  of  heroic 
valor ;  to  that  beautiful  France,  the  nursing  mother 
of  the  twelfth  Louis  and  the  fourth  Henry;  to  the 
native  soil  of  Bayard  and  Coligni,  of  Turenne  and 
Catinat,  of  Fenelon  and  d'  Aguesseau.  In  that  illus 
trious  catalogue  of  names  which  she  claims  as  of  her 
children,  and  with  honest  pride  holds  to  the  admiration 
of  other  nations,  the  name  of  Lafayette  has  already 
for  centuries  been  enrolled.  And  it  shall  henceforth 
burnish  into  brighter  fame  ;  for  if,  in  after  days,  a 
Frenchman  shall  be  called  to  indicate  the  character 
of  his  nation  by  that  of  one  individual,  during  the  age 
in  which  we  live,  the  blood  of  lofty  patriotism  shall 
mantle  in  his  cheek,  the  fire  of  conscious  virtue  shall 
sparkle  in  his  eye,  and  he  shall  pronounce  the  name 
of  Lafayette.  Yet  we,  too,  and  our  children,  in  life 
and  after  death,  shall  claim  you  for  his  own.  You  are 
ours  by  that  more  than  patriotic  self-devotion  with 
which  you  flew  to  the  aid  of  our  fathers  at  the  crisis 
of  their  fate  ;  ours  by  that  long  series  of  years  in 
which  you  have  cherished  us  in  your  regard  ;  ours  by 
that  unshaken  sentiment  of  gratitude  for  your  ser 
vices,  which  is  a  precious  portion  of  our  inheritance  ; 
ours  by  that  tie  of  love,  stronger  than  death,  which 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE. 

has  linked  your  name,  for  the  endless  ages  of  time, 
with  the  name  of  Washington. 

"  At  the  painful  moment  of  parting  from  you,  we 
take  comfort  in  the  thought,  that  wherever  you  may 
be,  to  the  last  pulsation  of  your  heart,  our  country 
will  ever  be  present  to  your  affections ;  and  a  cheering 
consolation  assures  us.  that  we  are  not  called  to  sor 
row  most  of  all  that  we  shall  see  your  face  no  more. 
We  shall  indulge  the  pleasing  anticipation  of  beholding 
our  friend  again.  In  the  meantime,  speaking  in  the 
name  of  the  whole  people  of  the  United  States,  and 
at  a  loss  only  for  language  to  give  utterance  to  that 
feeling  of  attachment  with  which  the  heart  of  the 
nation  beats,  as  the  heart  of  one  man — I  bid  you  a 
reluctant  and  affectionate  farewell." 

Visibly  moved,  Lafayette  thus  replied : 

"  Amid  all  my  obligations  to  the  General  Govern 
ment,  and  particularly  to  you,  sir,  its  respected  Chief- 
Magistrate,  I  have  most  thankfully  to  acknowledge 
the  opportunity  given  me,  at  this  solemn  and  painful 
moment,  to  present  the  people  of  the  United  States 
with  a  parting  tribute  of  profound,  inexpressible 
gratitude. 

"  To  have  been  in  the  infant  and  critical  days  of 
these  States  adopted  by  them  as  a  favorite  son,  to 
have  participated  with  them  in  the  toils  and  perils 
of  our  unspotted  struggle  for  independence,  freedom, 
and  equal  rights,  and,  in  the  foundation  of  the  Ameri 
can  era,  of  a  new  social  order,  which  has  already 
pervaded  this,  and  must,  for  the  dignity  and  happi 
ness  of  mankind,  successively  pervade  every  part  of 


370  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

the  other  hemisphere,  to  have  received  at  every  stage 
of  the  Revolution,  and  during  forty  years  after  that 
period,  from  the  people  of  the  United  States,  and 
their  representatives  at  home  and  abroad,  continual 
marks  of  their  confidence  and  kindness,  has  been  the 
pride,  the  encouragement,  the  support  of  a  long  and 
eventful  life. 

"  But  how  could  I  find  words  to  acknowledge  that 
series  of  welcomes,  those  unbounded  and  universal 
displays  of  public  affection,  which  have  marked  each 
step,  each  hour  of  a  twelve  months'  progress  through 
the  twenty-four  States,  and  which,  while  they  over 
whelm  my  heart  with  grateful  delight,  have  most 
satisfactorily  evinced  the  concurrence  of  the  people 
in  the  kind  testimonies,  in  the  immense  favors,  be 
stowed  on  me  by  the  several  branches  of  their  rep 
resentatives,  in  every  part,  and  at  the  central  seat 
of  the  confederacy] 

"  Yet  gratifications  still  higher  await  me,  in  the 
•wonders  of  creation  and  improvement  that  have  met 
my  enchanted  eye,  in  the  unparalleled  and  self-felt 
happiness  of  the  people ;  in  their  rapid  prosperity  and 
insured  security,  public  and  private  ;  in  a  practice 
of  good  order,  the  appendage  of  true  freedom  and  a 
national  good  sense,  the  final  arbiter  of  all  difficulties, 
I  have  had  proudly  to  recognize  a  result  of  the  re 
publican  principles  for  which  we  have  fought,  and 
a  glorious  demonstration  to  the  most  timid  and  pre 
judiced  minds,  of  the  superiority  over  degrading  aris 
tocracy  or  despotism,  of  popular  institutions  founded 
on  the  plain  rights  of  man,  and  where  the  local  rights 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  371 

of  every  section  are  preserved  under  a  constitutional 
bond  of  union.  The  cherishing  of  that  union  between 
the  States,  as  it  has  been  the  farewell  entreaty  of 
our  great  paternal  Washington,  and  will  ever  have 
the  dying  prayer  of  every  patriot  American,  so  it 
has  become  the  sacred  pledge  of  the  emancipation 
of  the  world,  an  object  in  which  I  am  happy  to 
observe  that  the  American  people,  while  they  give 
the  animating  example  of  successful  free  institutions 
in  return  for  an  evil  entailed  upon  them  by  Europe, 
and  of  which  a  liberal  and  enlightened  sense  is  every 
where  more  and  more  generally  felt,  show  themselves 
every  day  more  anxiously  interested. 

"  And  now,  sir,  how  can  I  do  justice  to  my  deep 
and  lively  feelings,  for  the  assurances,  most  peculiarly 
valued,  of  your  esteem  and  friendship,  for  your  so 
very  kind  references  to  old  times,  to  my  beloved 
associates,  to  the  vicissitudes  of  my  life,  for  your 
affecting  picture  of  the  blessings  poured  by  the  seve 
ral  generations  of  the  American  people,  on  the 
remaining  days  of  a  delighted  veteran,  for  your  affec 
tionate  remarks  on  this  sad  hour  of  separation,  on 
the  country  of  my  birth,  full  I  can  say  of  American 
sympathies,  on  the  hope  so  necessary  to  me  of  my 
seeing  again  the  country  that  has  deigned,  near  a 
half  a  century  ago,  to  call  me  hers !  I  shall  content 
myself,  refraining  from  superfluous  repetitions,  at 
once,  before  you.  sir,  and  this  respected  circle,  to 
proclaim  my  cordial  confirmation  of  every  one  of  the 
sentiments  which  I  have  had  daily  opportunities  pub 
licly  to  utter,  from  the  time  when  your  venerable 


372  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

predecessor,  my  old  friend  and  brother  in  arms,  trans 
mitted  to  me  the  honorable  invitation  of  Congress,  to 
this  day,  when  you,  my  dear  sir,  whose  friendly  con 
nections  with  me  date  from  your  earliest  youth,  are 
going  to  consign  me  to  the  protection,  across  the 
Atlantic,  of  the  heroic  national  flag,  on  board  the 
splendid  ship,  the  name*  of  which  has  been  not  the 
least  flattering  and  kind  among  the  numberless  favors 
conferred  upon  me. 

"  God  bless  you,  sir,  and  all  who  surround  us.  God 
bless  the  American  people,  each  of  their  states,  and 
the  federal  government.  Accept  this  patriotic  fare 
well  of  an  overflowing  heart ;  such  will  be  its  last 
throb  when  it  ceases  to  beat." 

On  the  same  day  Lafayette  embarked  at  the  head 
of  the  Potomac,  on  the  frigate  which  had  been  set 
apart  to  convey  him  to  France,  and  the  following 
morning,  the  Brandywine  weighed  anchor  and  spread 
her  sails  to  the  breeze.  Sadness  fell  upon  the  heart 
of  Lafayette,  as  his  eye  caught  the  last  glimpse  of 
the  receding  shore,  for  he  knew  that  he  should  never 
behold  it  again.  His  family  met  him  at  Havre,  and 
his  tenants  flocked  forth  like  children  around  a  pa 
rent,  as  he  drew  near  La  Grange.  May  he  never 
leave  us  again,  was  the  fervent  wish  breathed  by  the 
humblest  attendant.  Engaged  in  lighter  employ 
ments  which  his  age  demanded,  surrounded  by  plea 
sing  associations,  he  hoped  that  his  tempest-tossed 


*  The  Brandywine  —  alluding  to   the  battle  in  which  he  was  first 
wounded.    An  exceedingly  fine  compliment. 


MARQUIS  BE  LAFAYETTE.  373 

bark  might  now  glide  peacefully  and  smoothly  over 
the  deep,  into  the  eternal  haven.  Along  his  eventful 
career,  he  glanced  without  regret,  and  looked  onward 
to  death,  desiring  to  go  with  a  still  and  untroubled 
spirit. 

But  the  clouds  which  had  been  for  generations  ga 
thering  in  the  firmament,  had  not  yet  spent  their 
fury  upon  his  devoted  land.  The  meanings  of  ano 
ther  tempest  were  heard.  Charles  X.  was  on  the 
throne  of  France,  and  madly  dashing  on  to  despotism, 
while  the  volcanic  elements  were  gathering  strength, 
hourly,  under  his  insane  administration.  Lafayette 
saw  the  coming  crisis,  and  once  more  accepted  a  seat 
in  the  Chamber  of  Deputies.  He  hoped  to  guide,  if 
he  could  not  avert,  the  storm.  For  two  or  three 
years  he  labored  incessantly,  and  with  former  acti 
vity,  to  prevent  the  calamity,  by  inducing  a  different 
order  of  things  in  the  government.  Charles  distrus 
ted  him  with  Bourbon  prejudice  ;  the  Ministry  hated 
him  ;  and  his  endeavors  were  ineffectual  to  accom 
plish  permanent  change.  The  management  of  public 
affairs  grew  constantly  worse,  and  the  people,  driven 
at  last  to  desperation,  resolved  again  to  take  redress 
into  their  own  hands.  In  1830,  this  was  done.  In 
July  of  that  year,  was  the  Revolution  of  u  THE  THREE 
DAYS"  accomplisned.  Before  the  infatuated  Monarch 
had  dreamed  of  danger,  the  crown  was  rudely  torn 
from  his  brow,  and  the  scepter  snatched  from  his 
hand  for  ever.  The  terrible  lesson  which  had  beer 
taught  in  the  fate  of  Louis  XVI.,  Charles  X.  blindly 
refused  to  learn,  until  he  was  in  the  hopeless  vortex. 


374  LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

His  overthrow  was  rapid,  but  unmarked  by  the  atro 
cities  of  the  previous  Revolution,  which  filled  the 
sluices  of  Paris  with  blood.  Lafayette  was  called  to 
the  command  of  the  National  Guards,  and  the  people 
clamored  for  a  Republic;  insisting  that  their  tried  friend 
should  be  their  chief  magistrate.  With  disinterested 
patriotism,  which  never  shone  more  radiantly  than 
on  the  present  occasion,  he  felt  that  France  was  not 
ready  for  a  Republican  form  of  government ;  and  that 
he  had  not,  sufficiently,  the  confidence  of  all  parties, 
to  secure  a  harmonious  result,  should  he  assume  the 
reigns  of  sovereignty.  This  was  therefore  declined, 
and  his  own  choice  fell  upon  Louis  Philippe,  Duke  of 
Orleans,  whose  entire  course  of  life  had  so  far  exhi 
bited  a  uniform  and  consistent  attachment  to  free 
principles,  fitted  as  a  member  of  the  royal  family  to 
reconcile  in  his  person  the  conflicting  interests  of  the 
nation.  "  I  know  only  one  man,"  said  Lafayette  to 
him,  "  who  can  bring  France  to  a  Republic,  and  you 
are  that  man." 

Owing  very  much  to  Lafayette's  influence,  opposed 
by  his  friends,  Louis  Philippe  was  duly  chosen  Lieu 
tenant  General  of  the  nation,  which  title  was  subse 
quently  changed  to  "  Citizen  King  of  the  French.  ; 
In  this  appointment  we  admire  the  self-sacrificing 
spirit  of  Lafayette,  but  we  cannot  affirm  what  subse 
quent  events  have  fully  denied, —  the  wisdom  of  the 
choice.  During  his  life  he  maintained  an  outward 
show  of  respect  for  his  King,  who,  soon  after  his  ele 
vation,  gave  unmistakable  signs  that  his  footsteps  also 
were  in  the  beaten  path  of  absolutism  and  tyranny. 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  375 

His  fate  has  been  an  additional  warning  to  despots, 
and  adds  another  page  to  those  annals  from  which 
the  kings  of  the  earth  should  learn  wisdom. 

We  must  now  come  to  the  close  of  the  earthly 
existence  of  him  whose  character  and  career  we  have 
endeavored,  in  the  preceding  pages,  to  portray 
Though  blessed  with  a  constitution  which  had  sus 
tained  burdens  insupportable  to  ordinary  frames,  he 
had  to  yield  to  accumulated  disease  and  old  age.  An 
attack. .of  ischury,  to  which  he  was  predisposed,  met 
him  on  the  2d  of  February,  1834,  and  soon  gave 
warning  of  fatality.  He  gradually  sunk,  and  neither 
the  skill  of  physicians,  the  assiduities  of  friends,  nor 
the  sympathies  of  nations,  could  stay  the  Destroyer. 
"On  the  20th  of  May,"  says  one  of  his  attending 
physicians,  "  about  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the 
gravity  of  the  symptoms  increased.  Respiration, 
which,  for  the  last  eight  and  forty  hours  had  been 
much  impeded,  became  still  more  difficult,  and  the 
danger  of  suffocation  was  more  imminent.  Drowsi 
ness,  delirium,  and  prostration  of  strength,  became 
more  decidedly  pronounced,  and  at  twenty  minutes 
past  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Lafayette  expired 
in  our  arms. 

"  A  few  moments  before  he  breathed  his  last,  La 
fayette  opened  his  eyes,  and  fixed  them  with  a  look 
of  affection  on  his  children,  who  surrounded  his  bed, 
as  if  to  bless  them,  and  bid  them  an  eternal  adieu. 
He  pressed  my  hand  convulsively,  experienced  a  slight 
degree  of  contraction  in  the  forehead  and  eyebrows, 
and  drew  in  a  deep  and  lengthened  breath,  which 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL 

was  immediately  followed  by  a  last  sigh.  His  pulse, 
which  had  riot  lost  its  force,  suddenly  ceased  to  beat. 
A  murmuring  noise  was  still  heard  about  the  region 
of  the  heart.  To  produce  re-animation,  we  employed 
stimulating  frictions,  but  in  vain  ;  the  General  had 
ceased  to  exist.  His  countenance  resumed  a  calm  ex 
pression —  that  of  peaceful  slumber." 

Thus  died  LAFAYETTE,  in  the  seventy-seventh  year 
of  his  age.  We  would  that  we  might  catch,  in  these 
closing  scenes,  the  evidences  of  a  Christian  faith,  but 
this  we  are  unhappily  denied.  The  cheering  hopes 
of  Heaven  were  not  present  to  gild  his  pathway  to 
the  sepulchure.  Lafayette  needed  these,  without  which 
all  other  virtues  are  dim  and  powerless  in  such  an 
hour.  If  to  the  noble  qualities  which  he  possessed, 
"  had  been  added,"  as  another  has  remarked,  u  the 
pure  faith  and  sublime  hopes  of  the  Gospel,  nothing 
would  have  been  wanting  to  complete  the  portraiture 
of  a  perfect  man." 

A  universal  sadness  spread  over  France,  and  many 
parts  of  Europe,  at  his  death.  As  the  tidings  were 
borne  across  the  Atlantic,  sorrow,  like  the  shadow  of 
a  total  eclipse,  swept  over  the  Union  ;  the  penumbra 
of  that  which  followed  the  decease  of  George  Wash 
ington. 

A  Kingdom  and  a  Republic  joined  in  a  funeral  wail 
for  "  the  MAN  OF  TWO  WORLDS,"  emphatically,  be 
cause  he  had  drawn  the  hemispheres  together  in  the 
growing  brotherhood  of  our  common  humanity. 

Such  as  we  have  described  him,  was  Lafayette. 
The  events  which  were  crowded  into  his  long  life, 


MARQUIS  DE  LAFAYETTE.  377 

illustrate   his  character  better  than  a  critical  analysis 
could  give   its  strong  and    beautiful  elements.      The 
two  revolutions   through  which  he   passed,  remind  us 
of  the    course  of   some   great   rivers,   which,   quietly 
emerging   from   their  own  solitude  among   the  high 
lands,   flow  on  to  a   battlement  of  rocks,   where  in  a 
foaming  concentration  of  power,  is  revealed  the  mani 
fold  hues  and  sublime  law  of  their  onward  current. 
Lafayette  came  to  our  shores  from  his  early  home  of 
luxury,  and  entered  the  vortex  of  revolution.     Doubt 
less  there  was  something  of  youthful  romance  in  the 
bold  adventure.      But  when  the  purity  and  grandeur 
of  his  purpose,   whose  guiding   law  was  affection  for 
Freedom,   was    revealed    in    his   marvelous   success, 
Washington  heard  the  echo  of  his  own  mighty  spirit, 
and  the  people  hailed  the  Marquis,  as  worthy  to  be 
folded  in  the  same  mantle  with  the   man  who  stood 
in  isolated  dignity  upon  a  continent — with  the  nations 
at  his  feet  in  their  involuntary  homage.     Retiring  to 
La  Grange,  the  heroic  nobleman  was,  for  a  brief  pe 
riod,  behind  the  scenes  again.     But  at  the  frantic  cry 
of  his  country  he  appears  amid  the  fearful  meeting  of 
awakened    millions   in   civil  war.       The   same   bright 
and  majestic  march  of  being  under  the   inner  force 
of  patriotic  fervor,  was  disclosed,  and  won  the  admi 
ration  of  all.     We  do  not  recollect  another  instance 
of   a  "  PROTECTOR,"   ungoverned    by   fixed    religious 
principles,  whose  character  is  so  unsullied,  and   whose 
name  binds  perpetually  together,  in  historical  annals, 
two  centuries  and  two  worlds  ! 


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